Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,697	$ 1,442
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(2,945)	(3,319)
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,337	2,732
Depreciation and amortization	1,361	1,292
Income taxes	(61)	158
Losses (gains) on sales of facilities	(20)	13
Losses on retirement of debt	226	17
Legal claim costs	78
Amortization of deferred loan costs	33	41
Share-based compensation	118	81
Other	(3)	(3)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,821	2,454
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(1,482)	(1,347)
Acquisition of hospitals and health care entities	(97)	(463)
Disposition of hospitals and health care entities	38	31
Change in investments	22	97
Other	7	8
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,512)	(1,674)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	3,502
Net change in revolving credit facilities	(160)	630
Repayment of long-term debt	(3,525)	(1,300)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(325)	(308)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(49)	(5)
Repurchase of common stock	(750)
Distributions to stockholders	(7)	(13)
Income tax benefits	119	70
Other	(13)	(75)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,208)	(1,001)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	101	(221)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	414	705
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	515	484
Interest payments	1,441	1,464
Income tax payments, net	$ 758	$ 476