Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Operating revenue, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts),

Operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, is as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2012		2011
Medicare	$	1,064,157	$	923,864
Medicaid		315,092		321,525
Managed Care and other third-party payors		1,906,487		1,699,860
Self-pay		497,755		408,803
Total	$	3,783,491	$	3,354,052