You could easily make the argument that the No. 8 story on this list influenced a great number of other important stories all over the country in the second half of 2012. The Supreme Court's June decision to uphold the constitutionality of President Obama's health reform package has spurred a lot of dealmaking and operational adjusting since. (See No. 5 about the penalties for unnecessary readmissions that kicked in Oct. 1.) But you'll notice that the top of our list features three pieces on Nashville's biggest company, two of which promise the creation of more than 2,000 jobs in the next five years. That's a pretty good way to offset any disappointment from the loss of the Nashville Medical Trade Center.

For other installments of Top Reads in 2012, click here.

 
1. HCA division relocations to jumpstart West End Summit
Parallon, Sarah Cannon Research Institute to anchor long-awaited Midtown project

2. Family sues Saint Thomas’ heart surgery groups and two doctors
Alleges unnecessary surgery caused death of patriarch

3. HCA veteran sues for wrongful firing after 17 years of service
Plaintiff alleges perfect HR record prior to ousting

4. HCA to build Antioch data center
Project to create 150+ jobs by 2017

5. Area hospitals face Medicare reimbursement cuts
Readmission rate standard from Affordable Care Act will become effective in October

6. Medical Mart development spiked
Developers fail to secure needed leases; 'Long-term vision met head-on by shorter-term realities'

7. Inspiris acquired by UnitedHealth Group
Brentwood firm now part of $5.8B business segment

8. Decision Day: Upheld!
Perspectives from Nashville and beyond on the Supreme Court’s landmark health reform opinion

9. Brim Healthcare gets new name, leadership
Changes follow Iasis' $95M acquisition of Brim's hospital business

10. Lawyers who sued Iasis face sanctions
Updated with comments on ruling from D.C. law firm