Community Health Systems Announces Public Offering of Common Stock and Convertible Subordinated Notes.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 7, 2001

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 (11,023,622) shares of its common stock and $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its convertible subordinated notes. Goldman, Sachs & Co. is the book manager. Merrill Lynch & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston are the co-lead managers. Banc of America Securities LLC, JPMorgan and UBS Warburg are serving as co-managers.

When available, a copy of the preliminary prospectus for each offering may be obtained from the offices of Goldman, Sachs & Co., 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, 212/902-1000.

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 54 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.