Gene Siskel of the "Chicago Tribune" called it "a pretty bad movie" and "anemic. Altman sets himself up as superior to his insipid characters, laughs at them, and invites us to do likewise. That's not much of an achievement." Leonard Maltin gave "HealtH" two stars out of four in his "Movie Guide", and added: "Non-Altman fans may love this more than devotees; Woodard steals the film—no easy feat considering that incredible cast—as hotel's ultra-patient manager." "Halliwell's Film Guide" referred to it as a "zany satirical all-star romp on the lines of "A Wedding" but by no means as likeable or laughable, considering its cast, as it should be". The "Film Bulletin" called it a "misfired satire", and commented that its "major stars [... are otherwise wasted".