Columbia/HCA Fails to Answer Some Key Questions in Rhode Island.(Originated from The Providence Journal-Bulletin, R.I.)

PROVIDENCE, R.I.--Feb. 27--Ask Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp. a question, and stand back.

The Nashville-based giant generated a stack of documents in response to the 33 questions raised by the state Health Department over Columbia's bid to buy the Roger Williams Medical Center.

Despite the massive response, however, a number of key questions remain unanswered.

Health Department officials said this week they have not yet finished reviewing the pile, and so are not ready to say whether the response to their questions is adequate.

But even a cursory review shows large gaps. For example, both the Health Department and the attorney …