Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,442	$ 1,579
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(3,319)	(2,923)
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,732	2,666
Depreciation and amortization	1,292	1,254
Income taxes	158	250
Losses (gains) on sales of facilities	13	(4)
Loss on retirement of debt	17
Amortization of deferred loan costs	41	44
Share-based compensation	81	39
Other	(3)	7
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	2,454	2,912
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(1,347)	(1,268)
Acquisition of hospitals and health care entities	(463)	(167)
Disposition of hospitals and health care entities	31	17
Change in investments	97	73
Other	8	5
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,674)	(1,340)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of long-term debt		1,350
Net change in revolving credit facilities	630	(875)
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,300)	(689)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(308)	(303)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(5)	(20)
Distributions to stockholders	(13)	(983)
Income tax benefits	70	82
Other	(75)	(35)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,001)	(1,473)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(221)	99
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	705	373
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	484	472
Interest payments	1,464	1,404
Income tax payments, net	$ 476	$ 428