ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts receivable, net	$ 1,380	$ 1,345
Continuing operations
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Patient accounts receivable	1,735	1,668
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(439)	(396)
Estimated future recoveries from accounts assigned to our collection agency subsidiary	91	88
Net cost reports and settlements receivable (payable) and valuation allowances	(11)	(24)
Accounts receivable, net	1,376	1,336
Discontinued operations
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Patient accounts receivable	2	11
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(1)	(5)
Estimated future recoveries from accounts assigned to our collection agency subsidiary	1	2
Net cost reports and settlements receivable (payable) and valuation allowances	2	1
Accounts receivable, net	$ 4	$ 9