EXHIBIT 99
                           LIFEPOINT HOSPITALS, INC.


CONTACT:   MICHAEL J. CULOTTA
           SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND
             CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
           (615) 372-8512


                 LIFEPOINT HOSPITALS ACQUIRES REMAINING INTEREST
                             IN DODGE CITY HOSPITAL

BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE (October 7, 2002) - LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. (NASDAQ:
LPNT) today announced that it has purchased the remaining 30% interest in Dodge
City Healthcare Group, L.P., the joint venture that owns and operates 110-bed
Western Plains Regional Hospital in Dodge City, Kansas, for $25 million. In
March 1995, prior to the Company's spin-off from HCA, HCA had acquired a 70%
equity interest in the consolidated joint venture. The joint venture arrangement
had contemplated the purchase of the limited partners' interest by LifePoint.
Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the limited partners have agreed not
to compete with the hospital for five years. The non-compete agreements will be
valued at approximately $5 to $6 million and amortized over the life of the
agreement.

         Kenneth C. Donahey, chairman and chief executive officer of LifePoint
Hospitals, said, "Having worked with the medical staff and employees of Western
Plains Regional Hospital for over seven years, we are well familiar with the
quality of care that the hospital delivers to Dodge City and surrounding
communities. The hospital is a significant asset in our portfolio of non-urban
hospitals and meets our high standards as outlined in our five core values. We
are pleased to be able to assume full ownership of Western Plains Regional
Hospital, and we look forward to continuing to work with the fine group of
individuals associated with the hospital."

         LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. operates 24 hospitals in non-urban areas. In
most cases, the LifePoint facility is the only hospital in its community.
LifePoint's non-urban operating strategy offers continued operational
improvement by focusing on its five core values: delivering high quality patient
care, supporting physicians, creating excellent workplaces for its employees,
providing community value, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Headquartered in
Brentwood, Tennessee, LifePoint Hospitals is affiliated with over 7,000
employees.

                                     ******

         The above statements include forward-looking statements based on
current management expectations. Numerous factors exist which may cause results
to differ from these expectations. 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 relating to the
Company, including without limitation, (i) possible changes in reimbursement to
healthcare providers and insurers that may reduce payments; (ii) its ability to
attract and retain qualified management and personnel, including physicians,
nurses and clinical support personnel; (iii) the geographic concentration of the
Company's operations; (iv) risks associated with the Company's acquisition and
disposition strategies; (v) the management of healthcare risks as a result of
the delivery of patient care; (vi) the regulated nature of the healthcare
industry; (vii) the highly competitive nature of the healthcare business; (viii)
the potential adverse impact of government investigations and litigation
involving the business practices of HCA (to the extent relating to periods prior
to the Company's formation); (ix) fluctuations in the market value of the
Company's common stock; (x) the possibility that existing accounting practices
relating to the treatment of the extraordinary charge to be incurred by the
Company will be changed based on current proposals; (xi) the possibility that
the Company's judgment regarding the tax implications of the purchase of its 10
3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes could be challenged; (xii) the possibility that
the Company's liquidity needs could change; and (xiii) those risks and
uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, the Company's actual results may
differ materially. The Company undertakes no obligation to 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 "LifePoint" as used throughout this
document refer to LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. and its affiliates.


                                     -END-