Community Health Systems Announces Public Offering of Common Stock.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 5, 2000

Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH) announced today it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed public offering of up to 18,000,000 shares of its common stock. Of the 18,000,000 shares being offered, 10,000,000 shares are being sold by the Company and 8,000,000 shares are being sold by affiliates of Forstmann Little & Co., management and other selling stockholders. Merrill Lynch & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston are the co-lead underwriters for the offering. Banc of America Securities LLC, Chase H&Q, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter are serving as co-managers.

When available, copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from the offices of Merrill Lynch & Co., World Financial Center - North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281, 212/449-1000.

Located in Nashville suburb, Brentwood, Tennessee, Community Health Systems is a leading operator of general acute care hospitals in non-urban communities throughout the country. Through its subsidiaries, the company currently owns, leases or operates 51 hospitals in 20 states. Its hospitals offer a broad range of inpatient medical and surgical services, outpatient treatment and skilled nursing care.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state.