1
                                                                      Exhibit 20


                       COLUMBIA/HCA COMPLETES SPIN-OFF OF
               LIFEPOINT HOSPITALS, INC. AND TRIAD HOSPITALS, INC.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, May 11, 1999-Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:
COL), LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. and Triad Hospitals, Inc. today jointly
announced the completion of the spin-off of LifePoint and Triad Hospital Groups.

         The spin-off was effected through a distribution of one share of
LifePoint and one share of Triad for every 19 shares of Columbia/HCA common
stock outstanding on the record date of April 30, 1999. The Internal Revenue
Service has ruled that the spin-off generally will be tax-free to Columbia/HCA
stockholders (except for any cash received instead of fractional shares of
LifePoint common stock and Triad common stock).

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current
management expectations. Numerous factors, including those related to market
conditions and those detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause results to differ materially
from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Many of the factors
that will determine the Company's future results are beyond the ability of the
Company to control or predict. These statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties and, therefore, actual results may differ materially.

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 "Columbia/HCA" as used throughout this document
refer to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation and its affiliates.