Exhibit 99

[HCA LOGO]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INVESTOR CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Kimbrough Jeff Prescott
615-344-2688 615-344-5708

HCA REPORTS 1ST QUARTER 2003 RESULTS

NASHVILLE, TN, April 22, 2003 -- HCA (NYSE: HCA) today announced results for its
first quarter ended March 31, 2003. Consolidated revenues for the quarter ended
March 31, 2003, were $5.3 billion, up 8.2 percent from $4.9 billion last year.
Net income, including gains on sales of facilities and investigation related
costs, totaled $469 million or $0.90 per diluted share, compared to $385 million
or $0.74 per diluted share in 2002. During the quarter, the Company recognized
gains on sales of facilities of $42 million net of tax, or $0.08 per diluted
share, and investigation related costs of $3 million net of tax. During the
first quarter of 2002, the Company had no facility sales and reported
investigation related costs of $11 million net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted
share.

Net income, excluding gains on sales of facilities and investigation related
costs, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003, was $430 million or $0.82 per
diluted share, compared to $396 million or $0.76 per diluted share reported in
the prior year's first quarter, an increase of 8.6 percent and 7.9 percent,
respectively. The results are below the Company's expectations and we believe is
primarily the result of weaker than expected hospital inpatient and outpatient
volumes.

Revenue per equivalent admission remained strong in the first quarter,
increasing 9.6 percent reflecting continued strength in pricing trends. Net
inpatient revenue increased 9.4 percent and net outpatient revenue rose 7.6
percent in the quarter. The increases in both inpatient and outpatient revenues
were below recent trends and the Company's expectations.

During the quarter, same facility admissions declined 0.4 percent and same
facility equivalent admissions declined 0.9 percent. The decline in same
facility admissions was primarily the result of a significant decline in
pulmonary and flu-related admissions of approximately 9 percent, which the
Company believes was due to a weak flu season; a decline in skilled nursing
admissions of 32 percent primarily related to the closure of 17 skilled nursing
units since the first quarter of 2002; and the closing of obstetrics services in
seven hospitals since last year's first quarter, resulting in 1,194 fewer
admissions. The Company's same facility inpatient admissions, adjusted to
exclude pulmonary/flu-related, skilled nursing and closed OB unit admissions,
increased approximately 1.7 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

The decline in pulmonary/flu-related admissions occurred among both the
Company's Medicare and managed care patients.

During the first quarter of 2003, the Company's same facility emergency room
visits rose 1.4 percent, below recent quarterly trends. Outpatient surgical
procedures for the first quarter declined 2.9 percent. The Company believes the
softer than anticipated outpatient volumes are reflective of several factors,
the most significant of which is increasing competition for outpatient services
in a number of the Company's markets. Other factors include the light flu
season, adverse weather conditions in certain markets, managed care dynamics and
the economy.

Operating costs increased in relation to net revenue primarily due to the
inability to leverage fixed costs due to lower patient volume. Also, bad debts
increased as a percentage of net revenues from 7.6 percent in the first quarter
of 2002 to 8.1 percent in this year's first quarter.

"Although the results for the quarter were below our expectations, the Company
still achieved earnings per diluted share growth of 7.9 percent from the prior
year and cash flows from operations remained strong, increasing 24 percent to
$755 million. We do not believe the first quarter declines in hospital volumes
are indicative of a long-term trend. While we may experience weaker than
expected volume trends from time to time due to seasonal disease patterns and
other market-specific factors, the overall demographic trends in the country and
our market presence in fast growing major metropolitan areas should drive, we
believe, continuing growth for HCA. While we certainly face significant issues
this year relating to possible Medicare outlier rule changes, charity care
policy changes, as well as other issues discussed in

the recently filed Form 10-K, at this time, we see no reason to change the
Company's overall strategy of investing significant capital in our markets and
our long-term objective of mid-teens EPS growth," said Jack O. Bovender, Jr.,
Chairman and CEO.

At March 31, 2003, the Company's balance sheet reflected total debt of $7.7
billion; stockholders' equity (including common, temporary and minority equity)
of $6.7 billion; and total assets of $19.9 billion. The Company's ratio of
debt-to-debt plus stockholders' equity was 53.6 percent at March 31, 2003
compared to 53.1 percent at March 31, 2002.

Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $464 million, up 23% from the first
quarter of 2002. Return on stockholders' equity for the twelve months ended
March 31, 2003 was 25.0 percent, up from last year's 21.8 percent. Return on
invested capital was 13.2 percent for the twelve months ended March 31, 2003 an
increase from 12.0 percent in 2002.

On April 1, 2003, HCA completed its acquisition of Health Midwest's 11 hospital
network in the greater Kansas City community. At closing, the Company paid $855
million in cash and assumed approximately $183 million of debt and leases.

During the quarter, the Company repurchased 3.7 million shares of its common
stock at a total cost of $148 million (average cost of $40). The Company has
approval to repurchase approximately 2 million shares remaining in its existing
share repurchase program. The Company had 512 million shares outstanding as of
March 31, 2003.

As of March 31, 2003, the Company operated 179 hospitals and 78 ambulatory
surgery centers (including 6 hospitals and 4 ASCs owned through 50/50 equity
joint ventures), compared to 181 hospitals and 77 ambulatory surgery centers
(including 6 hospitals and 3 ASCs owned through equity joint ventures) as of
March 31, 2002. HCA's 179 hospitals and 78 ambulatory surgery centers are
located in 22 states; London, England and Geneva, Switzerland.

HCA will host a conference call for investors at 8:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
today. All interested investors are invited to access a live audio broadcast of
the call via webcast. The broadcast also will be available on a replay basis
beginning this afternoon and through the next 30 days. The webcast can be
accessed at http://www.firstcallevents.com/service/ajwz377500690gf12.html or via
the Investor Relations site at www.hcahealthcare.com.

# # #

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current
management expectations. Those forward looking statements include all statements
other than those made solely with respect to historical fact. Numerous risks,
uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. These factors include,
but are not limited to (i) the ability to enter into definitive written
agreements with regard to, and to consummate, the understanding with attorneys
of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice and Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, and obtain court approval thereof, (ii) the highly
competitive nature of the health care business, (iii) the efforts of insurers,
health care providers and others to contain health care costs, (iv) possible
changes in the Medicare and Medicaid programs (including currently proposed
changes to Medicare outlier payments) that may impact reimbursements to health
care providers and insurers, (v) changes in Federal, state or local regulation
affecting the health care industry, (vi) the possible enactment of Federal or
state health care reform, (vii) the ability to attract and retain qualified
management and personnel, including affiliated physicians, nurses and medical
support personnel, (viii) liabilities and other claims asserted against the
Company, (ix) fluctuations in the market value of the Company's common stock,
(x) ability to complete the share repurchase program (xi) changes in accounting
practices, (xii) changes in general economic conditions, (xiii) future
divestitures which may result in additional charges, (xiv) changes in revenue
mix and the ability to enter into and renew managed care provider arrangements
on acceptable terms, (xv) the availability and terms of capital to fund the
expansion of the Company's business, (xvi) changes in business strategy or
development plans, (xvii) delays in receiving payment, (xviii) the ability to
implement the Company's shared services and other initiatives and realize a
decrease in administrative, supply and infrastructure costs, (xix) the outcome
of pending and any future tax audits and litigation associated with the
Company's tax positions, (xx) the outcome of the Company's continuing efforts to
monitor, maintain and comply with appropriate laws, regulations, policies and
procedures and the Company's corporate integrity agreement with the government,
(xxi) increased reviews of the Company's cost reports, (xxii) the ability to
achieve expected levels of patient volumes and control the costs of providing
services, (xxiii) the impact of charity care policy changes, (xxiv) the ability
to successfully integrate the operations of Health Midwest and fund expected
capital improvements (xxv) the ability to develop and implement the financial
enterprise resource planning ("ERP") and millennium accounts receivable system
("MARS") information systems within the expected time and cost projections and,
upon implementation, to realize the expected benefits and efficiencies, and
(xxvi) other risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company's filings
with the SEC. Many of the factors that will determine the Company's future
results are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict. Readers
should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect
management's views only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no
obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any
other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.

All references to "Company" and "HCA" as used throughout this document refer to
HCA Inc. and its affiliates.

HCA INC.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS SUMMARY
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

FIRST QUARTER
---------------------------
2003 2002
--------- ---------

Revenues ........................................................................ $ 5,273 $ 4,873

EBITDA (a) ...................................................................... $ 1,109 $ 1,043

Net income:
Net income, excluding gains on sales of facilities and investigation
related costs .................................................... $ 430 $ 396
Gains on sales of facilities (net of tax) .............................. 42 --
Investigation related costs (net of tax) ............................... (3) (11)
--------- ---------

Net income ............................................................. $ 469 $ 385
========= =========

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income, excluding gains on sales of facilities and investigation
related costs .................................................... $ 0.82 $ 0.76
Gains on sales of facilities ........................................... 0.08 --
Investigation related costs ............................................ -- (0.02)

--------- ---------
Net income ............................................................. $ 0.90 $ 0.74
========= =========

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share (000) ....................... 522,361 521,588

- -----------------

(a) EBITDA for 2003 and 2002, respectively, is defined as income before
depreciation and amortization ($261 million and $244 million), interest
expense ($114 million and $121 million), gains on sales of facilities
($74 million in 2003), investigation related costs ($4 million and $17
million), minority interests in earnings of consolidated entities ($39
million and $35 million) and income taxes ($296 million and $241
million). HCA uses EBITDA as an analytical indicator for purposes of
allocating resources to geographic areas and assessing their
performance. EBITDA is commonly used as an analytical indicator within
the health care industry, and also serves as a measure of leverage
capacity and debt service ability. EBITDA should not be considered as a
measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting
principles, and the items excluded from EBITDA are significant
components in understanding and assessing financial performance.
Because EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and is thus susceptible to
varying calculations, EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to
other similarly titled measures of other companies.

HCA INC.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
FIRST QUARTER
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

2003 2002
----------------------- -----------------------
AMOUNT RATIO Amount Ratio
------- ----- ------- -----

Revenues ................................................... $ 5,273 100.0 % $ 4,873 100.0 %

Salaries and benefits ...................................... 2,096 39.8 1,930 39.6
Supplies ................................................... 845 16.0 778 16.0
Other operating expenses ................................... 853 16.2 800 16.3
Provision for doubtful accounts ............................ 428 8.1 368 7.6
Insurance subsidiary losses on sales of investments ........ -- -- 5 0.1
Equity in earnings of affiliates ........................... (58) (1.1) (51) (1.0)
------- ----- ------- -----
4,164 79.0 3,830 78.6
------- ----- ------- -----
EBITDA ................................................. 1,109 21.0 1,043 21.4

Depreciation and amortization .............................. 261 4.8 244 5.0
Interest expense ........................................... 114 2.2 121 2.5
Gains on sales of facilities ............................... (74) (1.4) -- --
Investigation related costs ................................ 4 0.1 17 0.3
------- ----- ------- -----
Income before minority interests and income taxes .......... 804 15.3 661 13.6

Minority interests in earnings of consolidated entities .... 39 0.8 35 0.7
------- ----- ------- -----
Income before income taxes ................................. 765 14.5 626 12.9

Provision for income taxes ................................. 296 5.6 241 5.0
------- ----- ------- -----
Net income ............................................ $ 469 8.9 $ 385 7.9
======= ===== ======= =====

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income excluding gains on sales of facilities and
investigation related costs ......................... $ 0.82 $ 0.76
Gains on sales of facilities ........................... 0.08 --
Investigation related costs ............................ -- (0.02)
-------- --------
Net income ............................................. $ 0.90 $ 0.74
-------- --------

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share (000) .. 522,361 521,588

HCA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2003 2002
--------- ---------

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .................................................. $ 1,090 $ 161
Accounts receivable, net ................................................... 2,969 2,788
Inventories ................................................................ 462 462
Deferred income taxes ...................................................... 577 568
Other ...................................................................... 328 526
--------- ---------

Total current assets .................................................. 5,426 4,505

Property and equipment, at cost ................................................. 17,211 16,800
Accumulated depreciation ........................................................ (7,287) (7,079)
--------- ---------
9,924 9,721

Investments of insurance subsidiary ............................................. 1,427 1,355
Investments in and advances to affiliates ....................................... 659 679
Goodwill ........................................................................ 1,982 1,994
Deferred loan costs ............................................................. 70 67
Other ........................................................................... 397 420
--------- ---------

$ 19,885 $ 18,741
========= =========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable ........................................................... $ 749 $ 809
Accrued salaries ........................................................... 413 438
Other accrued expenses ..................................................... 1,120 1,113
Government settlement accrual .............................................. 933 933
Long-term debt due within one year ......................................... 623 446
--------- ---------

Total current liabilities ............................................. 3,838 3,739

Long-term debt .................................................................. 7,092 6,497
Professional liability risks .................................................... 1,221 1,193
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities ..................................... 1,046 999
Minority interests in equity of consolidated entities ........................... 647 611

Stockholders' equity ............................................................ 6,041 5,702
--------- ---------

$ 19,885 $ 18,741
========= =========

Current ratio ................................................................... 1.41 1.20
Ratio of debt to debt plus common and minority equity ........................... 53.6% 52.4%
Shares outstanding (thousands) .................................................. 512,033 514,176

HCA INC.
OPERATING STATISTICS

FIRST QUARTER
----------------------
2003 2002
---------- --------

Consolidated Hospitals:

Number of Hospitals ................................................ 173 175
Weighted Average Licensed Beds ..................................... 39,957 40,079
Licensed Beds at End of Period ..................................... 39,898 40,054

REPORTED:
Admissions ......................................................... 404,500 407,300
% Change ..................................................... -0.7%
Equivalent Admissions .............................................. 587,300 594,700
% Change ..................................................... -1.2%
Revenue per Equivalent Admission ................................... $ 8,978 $ 8,193
% Change ..................................................... 9.6%
Inpatient Revenue per Admission .................................... $ 8,233 $ 7,474
% Change ..................................................... 10.2%

Patient Days ....................................................... 2,027,200 2,060,700
Equivalent Patient Days ............................................ 2,943,400 3,008,600

Emergency Room Visits .............................................. 1,216,200 1,206,900
% Change ..................................................... 0.8%

Outpatient Revenues as a
Percentage of Patient Revenues ................................. 35.9% 36.3%

Average Length of Stay ............................................. 5.0 5.1

Occupancy .......................................................... 56.4% 57.1%
Equivalent Occupancy ............................................... 81.9% 83.4%

SAME FACILITY:
Admissions ......................................................... 403,300 404,900
% Change ..................................................... -0.4%
Equivalent Admissions .............................................. 585,200 590,800
% Change ..................................................... -0.9%
Revenue per Equivalent Admission ................................... $ 8,959 $ 8,171
% Change ..................................................... 9.6%
Inpatient Revenue per Admission .................................... $ 8,234 $ 7,483
% Change ..................................................... 10.0%

Emergency Room Visits .............................................. 1,214,100 1,196,900
% Change ..................................................... 1.4%

NUMBER OF CONSOLIDATED AND
NON-CONSOLIDATED (50/50 EQUITY
JOINT VENTURES) HOSPITALS:
Consolidated ....................................................... 173 175
Non-Consolidated (50/50 Equity
Joint Ventures) ................................................ 6 6
--------- ---------

Total Number of Hospitals .......................................... 179 181
========= =========