<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.13

                                 LEASE AGREEMENT

        THIS LEASE AGREEMENT ("Lease") is made and entered into on this the 30th
day of September, 2003 and is effective as of the 1st day of October, 2003 (the
"Effective Date"), by and among MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER, INC., a
Mississippi corporation ("Baptist"), MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC., a
Mississippi Corporation (together with Baptist, "Lessor"), MISSISSIPPI HOMECARE
OF JACKSON, LLC, a Mississippi Limited Liability Company ("Lessee"), MISSISSIPPI
HEALTH CARE GROUP, LLC, a Mississippi Limited Liability Company ("Parent"), LHC
GROUP, LLC, a Louisiana Limited Liability Company ("Guarantor").

        WHEREAS, Lessor owns certain assets (the "Assets"), inventory and
supplies ("Inventory") utilized in the operations of a home health agency that
provides home health care services in Yazoo, Copiah, Rankin and Hinds Counties,
Mississippi (the "Agency Operations"); and

        WHEREAS, Lessor owns home health agency License Number 1294 issued by
the Mississippi State Department of Health Division of Licensure and
Certification that allows it to provide home health care services (the "Home
Health License"), and Lessor desires to lease said Home Health License and the
Assets to Lessee and to sell the Inventory to Lessee upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein; and

        WHEREAS, Lessor possesses certain provider numbers for the operation of
the home health agency, namely Medicare Provider Number 257082, Medicaid
Provider Number 0770125, and Blue Cross Provider Number 000070264 (each a
"Provider Number" and collectively, the "Provider Numbers"), and Lessor desires
to lease those Provider Numbers to Lessee upon the terms and conditions set
forth herein; and

        WHEREAS, Lessee desires to lease the Lessor's Home Health License, the
Assets and the Provider Numbers, to purchase the Inventory, and to provide
Agency Operations upon the terms and conditions set forth herein;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
herein, Lessor and Lessee agree as follows:

1.   Lease of Assets. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein,
     beginning on October 1, 2003 (the "Commencement Date"), Lessor hereby
     agrees to lease to Lessee and Lessee agrees to lease from Lessor the Home
     Health License and the Provider Numbers, the terms of which are
     incorporated herein by reference, on an exclusive basis during the Term of
     this Lease (as hereinafter defined). Also leased herein, beginning on the
     Commencement Date, are the Assets that are used by Lessor in the Agency
     Operations and are more particularly described on the attached Exhibit A.

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2.   Lease Payments and Other Considerations.

     a.   Lease Payments. Lessee agrees that it shall pay the following rent
          ("Rent") to Lessor per contract year, payable in advance, in equal
          monthly installments, during the Initial Term of this Lease (as
          hereinafter defined) for the lease of the Home Health License and the
          Assets:

          THE SUM OF TWO HUNDRED FORTY-THREE THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
          ($243,000.00) PER ANNUM, payable in monthly installments of $20,250.00
          per month.

          Lessee shall make such rental payments to Lessor at 1225 N. State
          Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39202, Attn: David Jackson, or such other
          address as Lessor may specify in writing to Lessee from time to time.
          Rental payments shall be made on a monthly basis on or before the 5th
          day of each month, beginning on October 1, 2003.

     b.   Assumption of Liabilities and Contracts. As of the Commencement Date
          and in partial consideration for this Lease, Lessee hereby assumes the
          payment and performance of (collectively the "Assumed Liabilities")
          all payments and performances from and after the Commencement Date
          under any and all of the Leases and Contracts as set forth on Schedule
          4 and 5 to Exhibit A hereto (collectively the "Assumed Contracts"). On
          the Commencement Date, Lessor hereby agrees to assign, transfer and
          delegate all rights, obligations and duties of the Lessor under the
          Assumed Contracts and Lessee shall accept such assignment and
          delegation as of the Commencement Date and shall assume the payment
          and performance under the Assumed Contracts from and after the
          Commencement Date.

     c.   Accounts Receivable for Patients With Ongoing Episode of Care;
          Accounts Receivable Generally. All accounts receivable and claims for
          payment, whether billed or unbilled on the Commencement Date, for
          services rendered by Lessor on or before the Commencement Date (the
          "Ongoing Accounts Receivable") for Medicare patients in an ongoing
          episode of care on the Commencement Date and who remain under care of
          Lessee following the Commencement Date shall be allocated to Lessee on
          an accrual basis for services rendered by Lessee; provided, however,
          that Ongoing Accounts Receivable attributable to each Medicare patient
          shall be allocated to Lessor according to a formula consisting of the
          product of the total HHRG payment due for the current episode of care
          for each Medicare patient and a fraction, the numerator of which shall
          be the number of days elapsed from the beginning of the then current
          episode of care for the patient through the Commencement Date and the
          denominator of which is 60. All Ongoing Accounts Receivable shall be
          collected by Lessee and promptly remitted to Lessor and Lessee, as
          described in this paragraph.

          i.   All other Accounts Receivable, but not including the Ongoing
               Accounts Receivable, shall be and remain the property of Lessor,
               and Lessor shall have responsibility for collection of the same.



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          ii.  For purposes of illustration only, the following example of
               allocation of Medicare Ongoing Accounts Receivable is provided:

               (1)  HHRG Payment Due: $3,000

               (2)  Episode Beginning Date: September 10, 2003

               (3)  Commencement Date: October 1, 2003

               (4)  $3,000 x (20/60) = $1,000 = amount allocated to Lessor for
                    services rendered to this patient prior to the Commencement
                    Date (and $2,000 allocated to Lessee).

     d.   Employees. As of the Commencement Date, Lessee shall offer employment
          to all personnel employed by or on behalf of Lessor in respect of the
          Agency Operations (the "Employees") immediately preceding the
          Commencement Date. Such offers of employment shall be at least at
          their current hourly rates of pay as reflected on Exhibit "D",
          together with the other benefits customarily provided by Lessee to its
          existing employees with the effective date of coverage being October
          1, 2003, provided, however, that Lessee shall have the discretion to
          modify such rates of pay and benefits as is consistent with prudent
          management of the Agency Operations. Each person hired will be
          required to complete all documents reasonably required by Lessee and
          its affiliates of new employees. Lessee shall give all such employees
          full credit for all accrued vacation, sick leave and holiday pay. To
          the extent any Employees accept such employment, the tenure of such
          employee shall be measured by Lessee from the date of hire by Lessor
          of such employee for the determination of vacation, sick leave, work
          preferences, eligibility for and vesting in pension and retirement
          benefits (but not for purposes of benefit accruals under any pension
          or retirement plan covering such employee) and similar benefits
          related to the future Agency Operations. Lessee may terminate an
          employee at any time with or without cause. Lessee assumes no other
          claims or obligations, whether asserted or unasserted, for employee
          benefits, including wage and hour, overtime, time off, deferred
          compensation, pension, vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, bonuses or
          other claims. Lessee represents that it has not been advised by any
          governmental agency that it is in violation of any statute or
          regulation governing employment practices. Lessee is and intends to
          remain an equal opportunity employer.

     e.   Inventory. As of the Commencement Date, Lessor and Lessee shall have
          conducted a review and accounting of the Inventory utilized by Lessor
          in its home health operations and listed on Exhibit "E" attached
          hereto. Exhibit "E" shall also include Lessor's cost for such
          Inventory. As additional consideration for this Lease, Lessor shall
          sell the Inventory to the Lessee and Lessee shall purchase from Lessor
          the same, with the purchase price for such Inventory being Lessor's
          cost for the same. The purchase price for the Inventory shall be paid
          to Lessor at Closing.

     f.   Coordination Services. In consideration of the lease of the Assets,
          Lessee agrees to provide to Lessor home health coordination services
          as set forth in Appendix A hereto.


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3.   Security Interest. As security for payment of the Lease Payments and
     Assumed Liabilities and any other amounts due under this Lease and
     performance of all obligations under this Lease by Lessee, the Lessee
     grants Lessor a first priority security interest in the Home Health
     License, the Assets, including any Replacement Assets (the "Leased
     Assets"), and the Inventory. Lessee further grants a security interest in
     all other assets of the Lessee (the "Other Assets"), whether now owned or
     hereafter acquired, including without limitation the following (all of the
     Leased Assets and Other Assets being hereinafter called the "Collateral"),
     and Lessor acknowledges it shall not have first priority security interest
     in the portion of the Collateral constituting Other Assets: all personal
     and fixture property of every kind and nature including without limitation
     all goods (including inventory, equipment and any accessions thereto),
     instruments (including promissory notes), documents, accounts (including
     health-care-insurance receivables), chattel paper (whether tangible or
     electronic), deposit accounts, letter-of-credit rights (whether or not the
     letter of credit is evidenced by a writing), securities and all other
     investment property, supporting obligations, any other contract rights or
     rights to the payment of money, insurance claims and proceeds, and all
     general intangibles (including all payment intangibles). The Lessee hereby
     irrevocably authorizes the Lessor at any time and from time to time to file
     in any filing office in any Uniform Commercial Code jurisdiction any
     financing statements and amendments thereto that (a) indicate the
     Collateral (i) as all assets of the Lessee or words of similar effect,
     regardless of whether any particular asset comprised in the Collateral
     falls within the scope of Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of such
     jurisdiction, or (ii) as being of an equal or lesser scope or with greater
     detail, and (b) provide any other information required by part 5 of Article
     9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State, or such other jurisdiction,
     for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement
     or amendment, including (i) whether the Lessee is an organization, the type
     of organization and any organizational identification number issued to the
     Lessee and, (ii) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture
     filing a sufficient description of real property to which the Collateral
     relates. The Lessee agrees to furnish any such information to the Lessor
     promptly upon the Lessor's request. To further the attachment, perfection
     and priority of, and the ability of the Lessor to enforce, the Lessor's
     security interest in the Collateral, and without limitation on the Lessee's
     other obligations in this Agreement, the Lessee agrees, in each case at the
     Lessee's expense, to take such Collateral as required to ensure that the
     Lessor maintains a security interest in the Collateral. Lessee agrees that
     Lessor shall hold and possess a first priority security interest in the
     Home Health License, the Assets and the Inventory during the Term of the
     Lease (as hereinafter defined) and until all obligations under this Lease
     have been irrevocably paid in full. Lessee agrees and acknowledges that
     Lessor has acquired a secured interest in the cash collateral of the estate
     as governed by 11 USC ss. 363 pursuant to this Section 3 and will not use
     any cash of the estate or income generated by the Home Health License
     without the written consent of Lessor, if Lessee files a petition under
     Title 11 of the United States Code, hereinafter the "Bankruptcy Code". If
     Lessee files a petition under the Bankruptcy Code or under any other
     similar federal or state law, Lessee unconditionally and irrevocably agrees
     that Lessor shall be entitled, and Lessee hereby


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<PAGE>


     unconditionally and irrevocably consents, to relief from any automatic stay
     so as to allow Lessor to exercise its rights and remedies under this
     Agreement with respect to the rights and property subject to the security
     interests, including taking possession of said Collateral. In such event,
     Lessee hereby agrees that it shall not, in any manner, oppose or otherwise
     delay any motion filed by Lessor for relief from the automatic stay.
     Lessor's enforcement of the right granted herein for relief from the
     automatic stay is subject to the approval of the bankruptcy court in which
     the case is then pending. Lessee represents to Lessor that it has
     considered and evaluated the prospects and feasibility of the
     reorganization of its business under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code,
     including the sale of the business, the sale of all or substantially all of
     its assets, the restructuring of its assets and liabilities, and a
     liquidation. Lessee represents to Lessor that, based on the foregoing
     consideration and evaluation, if Lessee is unable to comply with, or
     otherwise defaults under this Lease, Lessee will not then have any
     realistic prospect of an effective reorganization. If Lessee files a
     petition under the Bankruptcy Code or under any other similar federal or
     state law, Lessee hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that it
     shall not, in any manner, oppose or challenge any assertion by Lessor that
     Lessee does not have any realistic prospect of an effective reorganization
     unless, and only to the extent that, there has been a material change or
     material changes in the circumstances of Lessee from the date hereof, which
     was or were not contemplated by or in this Lease. It shall be presumed that
     there has not been a material change in the circumstances of Lessee unless
     each and every such change is specifically identified by Lessee and
     supported with adequate and competent evidence thereof. However, in the
     event that Lessee does file a petition in bankruptcy, Lessee agrees to
     execute all documents necessary and to take all such further actions as may
     be required to transfer the Home Health License and Assets to Lessor.
     Lessee further agrees to provide Lessor with any and all reasonable
     assurances of its security that Lessor may request, including the execution
     of documents acknowledging Lessor's security interests and the provision of
     Lessee's, Guarantor's and Parent's financial statements, provided that any
     such request is made during the Term of this Lease (as hereinafter defined)
     unless all obligations under this Lease have not been irrevocably paid and
     satisfied in full in which case this obligation shall extend until such
     time as all obligations under this Lease have been irrevocably paid and
     satisfied in full.

4.   Term of Lease. The initial term of this Lease shall be for a period of five
     (5) years beginning on the Commencement Date (the "Initial Term"). The
     Initial Term, plus any Renewal Term(s) (as hereinafter defined), constitute
     the term of this Lease (the "Term").

     a.   This Lease automatically shall be extended for one (1) consecutive
          five (5) year term (a "Renewal Term") unless Lessor shall give written
          notice to the Lessee of its desire to terminate one hundred eighty
          (180) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term.

     b.   Upon conclusion of the second year of the Initial Term, either party
          may terminate this Lease with or without cause by giving at least one
          hundred eighty (180) days prior written notice to the other party of
          its desire to terminate the Lease.


                                        5


<PAGE>


     c.   This Lease may be further extended for up to two (2) consecutive
          Renewal Terms, provided that the parties agree in writing to extend
          the Lease for an additional Renewal Term one hundred eighty (180) days
          prior to the expiration of the current Renewal Term.

     d.   The parties agree that the terms of such Renewal Term shall be upon
          the same terms as set forth in this Lease, or upon similar terms,
          except that the Rent for the Renewal Term shall be negotiated in good
          faith between the parties at least ninety (90) days prior to the end
          of the immediately preceding Initial Term or Renewal Term (as the case
          may be) and shall be no less than the greater of (i) fair market value
          of this Lease, calculated for the period of the Renewal Term or (ii)
          the sum of the Rent due during the then existing Term plus an
          adjustment amount equal to the Rent due during the then existing Term
          multiplied by the average consumer price index ("CPI") for the
          immediately preceding contract year. Upon termination or other
          expiration of this Lease for any reason other than an exercise of the
          Option (as hereinafter defined), Lessee agrees that it shall return
          the Home Health License, the Provider Numbers and Assets to Lessor,
          take all such regulatory and legal actions (at Lessee's expense) as
          may be necessary or expedient to transfer the Home Health License, the
          Provider Numbers and Assets to Lessor, and execute all necessary
          documents in connection therewith.

5.   Option Rights.


     a.   In partial consideration for this Lease, Lessee hereby is granted an
          option to purchase the Home Health License and the Assets (the "Buy
          Option") which may be exercised in the event that the Lessor gives
          notice of its intention not to renew the Lease at the end of the
          Initial Term or any Renewal Term or the Lessor terminates the Lease
          without cause pursuant to Section 4.b. of this Agreement. In the event
          Lessee desires to exercise the Buy Option, Lessee must give Lessor at
          least sixty (60) days prior written notice of its intention to
          exercise the Buy Option. The price of exercising the Buy Option shall
          be Three Hundred Percent (300%) of the Lessee's Earnings before
          interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for the
          fiscal year ending prior to the exercise of the option, calculated as
          set forth herein, plus the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
          ($500,000), but in the event that 300% EBITDA equals zero or is a
          negative number, the exercise price for the Buy Option as set forth in
          this Section 5.a. shall not be less than the sum of Five Hundred
          Thousand Dollars ($500,000), all of which shall be payable in cash or
          certified funds to Lessor at the Option Closing (as hereinafter
          defined).

     b.   In partial consideration for this Lease, Lessor hereby is granted a
          right to require the Lessee to purchase from Lessor the Home Health
          License and the Assets (the "Put Option") which may be exercised in
          the event that the Lessee gives notice of its intention not to renew
          the Lease at the end of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term


                                       6
<PAGE>

          or the Lessee terminates the Lease pursuant to Section 4.b. of this
          Agreement. In the event Lessor desires to exercise the Put Option,
          Lessor must give Lessee at least sixty (60) days prior written notice
          of its intention to exercise the Put Option. The price of exercising
          the Put Option (the "Put Option Price") shall be Three Hundred Percent
          (300%) of the Lessee's EBITDA for the fiscal year ending prior to the
          exercise of the option, calculated as set forth herein, plus the sum
          of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000), but in the event that
          300% of Lessee's EBITDA as calculated herein equals zero or is a
          negative number, the Put Option Price as set forth in this Section
          5.b. shall not be less than the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
          ($500,000), all of which shall be payable in cash or certified funds
          to Lessor at the Option Closing (as hereinafter defined). Lessee and
          its Parent further agree to provide to Lessor (i) annual financial
          statements of Lessee, Parent and Guarantor and (ii) annual Medicare
          cost reports with respect to the operations of Lessee within the
          ninety (90) day period following the end of each fiscal year occurring
          during the Term of this Lease. In the event that the State of
          Mississippi ceases to require a Certificate of Need for home health
          licensure during the Term of the Lease, the fair market value of the
          License and the Leased Assets, as determined by an independent
          appraiser or certified public accountant agreeable to the parties,
          shall be substituted for the Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000)
          portion of the Put Option Price as set forth in this Section 5.b.

     c.   Upon termination or other expiration of this Lease without the prior
          exercise of either Lessee's Buy Option or Lessor's Put Option (each an
          "Option" and collectively, the "Options"), the Options expire without
          any residual rights accruing to Lessee or Lessor, as the case may be,
          as a result of said expiration. Lessor and Lessee further agree to
          release the other from any obligations resulting or arising from the
          Options once the Options have expired without exercise.

     d.   Unless a different closing date is selected by the mutual written
          agreement of the parties, the closing date for the exercise of the
          Option (the "Option Closing") shall be that date which is sixty (60)
          days following the date that notice of exercise of the Option was
          received by such party or its agent. Notice of exercise of the Put
          Option may be given simultaneously with a notice of material breach,
          and if so given, the rights and obligations of the parties pursuant to
          the Put Option being exercised shall govern, except that in the case
          of simultaneous notice of material breach and exercise of the Put
          Option, the Option Closing shall take place thirty (30) days following
          the date that notice of material breach was received by such party or
          its agent.

     e.   For purposes of this Lease, EBITDA shall be determined in accordance
          with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). Under no
          circumstances shall any overhead payment, management fee,
          distribution, dividend or other payment payable directly or indirectly
          to Lessee, Parent or Guarantor or to any affiliate or related party of
          any of Lessee, Parent or Guarantor on account of this Lease or the

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          Agency Operations contemplated herein exceed thirteen percent (13%) of
          the gross revenue of Lessee, and any such payment made in
          contravention of this paragraph shall be excluded in the calculation
          of EBITDA.


6.   Default and Termination. In the event of a material breach of this Lease by
     either party (each a "Default Event"), the other party may, at any time
     after giving thirty (30) days written notice of the breach, terminate this
     Lease by a further written notice of termination; provided, however, if the
     breaching party, prior to receiving such notice of termination, has cured
     the breach, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect, subject to
     the Option rights described in Section Five (5) herein. Notwithstanding the
     preceding sentence, Lessor shall have the right to terminate this Lease
     immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each a
     "Termination Event"):

     a.   failure or refusal by Lessee to pay Rent or any other sum or payment
          when due hereunder to Lessor;

     b.   failure of Lessee to maintain the Home Health License in good standing
          or failure of Lessee to maintain its Medicare and Medicaid provider
          certification in good standing;

     c.   inability of Lessee to operate a home health care agency due to loss
          of license or accreditation, fire, natural disaster, change of laws,
          sale or other disposition of Lessee, or a change of laws,
          accreditation standards, or other cause beyond Lessee's control;

     d.   violation of laws, regulations, or applicable agency policy that is
          applicable to the operation of a home health agency where such
          violation has a likelihood of jeopardizing the Home Health License or
          Medicare and Medicaid provider certification of Lessee or has a
          substantial likelihood of imposing a material fine;

     e.   change of standards by an approved accrediting body or in state or
          federal laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, changes in
          the law or regulations concerning home health licensure, beyond
          Lessee's control;

     f.   cancellation, termination, or reduction of insurance coverage as set
          forth in Section Fifteen (15) hereof;

     g.   violation of law by Lessee or its agents and which is likely to result
          in material financial injury to Lessee;

     h.   the Lessee institutes or consents to any proceeding under the
          Bankruptcy Code of the United States or any other applicable
          liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, moratorium, rearrangement,
          receivership, insolvency, reorganization or similar


                                       8


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          debtor relief laws (collectively the "Debtor Relief Laws") relating to
          it or to all or any part of its property, or is unable or admits in
          writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, or makes an
          assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to
          the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator,
          liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any
          part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian,
          conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed
          without the application or consent of the Lessee; or any proceeding
          under a Debtor Relief Law relating to the Lessee or to all or any part
          of its property is instituted without its consent; or any judgment,
          writ, warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued
          or levied against all or any material part of its property;

     i.   vacating of any of the Leased Premises (as that term is defined in
          each of the Leases listed on Schedule 4 to Exhibit A) (collectively as
          defined in each Lease, the "Leased Premises") by Lessee;

     j.   encumbering or otherwise pledging as security any of Lessee's property
          without the consent of Lessor;

     k.   failure of Lessee to fully and timely perform the covenants,
          obligations or agreements of Lessee under this Agreement within thirty
          (30) days after the date Lessee receives written notice of such
          failure of performance;

     1.   LHC Group, LLC fails to own, directly or indirectly, at least 90% of
          Lessee or Lessee enters into a management or similar agreement for the
          operation of Lessee with any party other than the Guarantor without
          the prior written approval of Lessor.

     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section Six (6),
     this Lease shall continue for at least the period of time required to
     transfer patients so as not to jeopardize their medical care.

7.   Remedies. Upon the occurrence of a Default Event or a Termination Event,
     Lessor may:

     a.   Accelerate all Rents due under this Lease; and/or

     b.   Terminate this Lease, in which event Lessee shall immediately
          surrender the Assets (including the Substitute Assets) and Leased
          Premises to Lessor as herein provided, and if Lessee fails to
          surrender the Assets (including the Substitute Assets) and Leased
          Premises, Lessor may, without prejudice to any other remedy which
          Lessor may have for possession of the Leased Premises, expel or remove
          Lessee and any other person who may be occupying the Assets (including
          the Substitute Assets) and Leased Premises, or any part thereof. In
          such event Lessee shall transfer to Lessor


                                       9

<PAGE>


          as liquidated damages all inventory maintained in the Leased Premises
          and Lessee's equipment located in the Leased Premises to Lessor;
          and/or

     c.   Enter upon and take possession of the Assets (including the Substitute
          Assets) and Leased Premises and expel or remove Lessee and any other
          person who may be occupying the Assets (including the Substitute
          Assets) and Leased Premises or any part thereof without terminating
          this Lease, and exercise Lessor's good faith efforts to relet the
          Leased Premises, on behalf of Lessee, on the best terms, conditions
          and rents; and in such event Lessor may seek such damages and remedies
          as are available at law or in equity including any cost or expense
          incurred by Lessor in connection with the reletting of the Leased
          Premises or any deficiency in total financial consideration that may
          arise by reason of such reletting; and/or

     d.   Protect, exercise and enforce its rights as a secured party with
          respect to the Collateral in accordance with applicable law including
          the right to retain the Collateral in full or partial satisfaction of
          the obligations due under this Lease.

8.   Surrender of Possession. Upon the expiration or termination of the Lease
     Term, howsoever effected, Lessee shall forthwith surrender the Leased
     Premises and the Assets (including the Substitute Assets) (as defined in
     Section Seventeen (17) herein) to Lessor, free and clear of all claims,
     liens, security interests and other encumbrances (except those existing on
     the Effective Date), and other encumbrances approved in writing by Lessor
     during the Lease Term and in as good working order and condition as on the
     Effective Date, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Lessor's Assets and
     Substitute Assets shall be surrendered to Lessor and all equipment
     surrendered shall have an aggregate functional capability at least equal to
     the aggregate functional capability of the equipment and Assets owned by or
     leased by Lessor and leased to Lessee as of the Commencement Date. Lessor
     shall have the option to purchase all or any portion of the inventory on
     hand as of the expiration or termination of this Lease for a purchase price
     equal to the lesser of the cost to Lessee or the market value of such
     inventory so purchased. If Lessor exercises such purchase option, Lessee
     shall execute and deliver to Lessor such bills of sale and assignments and
     other documents as Lessor may require. All assets owned by Lessee and not
     purchased by Lessor shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Lessee
     upon termination or expiration of this Lease. To the extent Lessor does not
     exercise Lessor's purchase option in respect of Lessee's equipment or
     inventory as described herein, Lessee may remove Lessee's equipment or
     inventory from the Leased Premises upon the expiration or termination
     without cause of the Lease Term; provided, however, that Lessee shall be
     responsible for and shall immediately repair any damage to the Leased
     Premises caused by the removal of Lessee's equipment.

9.   Representations and Warranties of Lessor. Lessor hereby represents and
     warrants to Lessee as follows:


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<PAGE>


     a.   Lessor is a non-profit corporation duly organized and validly existing
          under the laws of the State of Mississippi;

     b.   Lessor has full and complete authority from its Board of Directors to
          enter into this Lease and to execute all instruments incident hereto,
          and to carry out the provisions of such documents;

     c.   The signatures appearing for Lessor on this Lease have been affixed
          pursuant to such specific authority as, under applicable law, is
          required to bind Lessor;

     d.   This Lease constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
          Lessor, enforceable in accordance with its terms;

     e.   As of the date hereof, and as of the Effective Date, the Assets and
          the Home Health License will be free and clear of all liens and
          encumbrances, except as disclosed on Exhibit "B" hereto, the terms of
          which are incorporated herein by reference;

     f.   The Home Health License is in full force and effect, and (to the
          knowledge of Lessor) no event has occurred which results in, whether
          presently or with the passage of time, a material event of default
          thereunder; and

     g.   Lessor is the true and correct owner of the Home Health License.

10.  Representations and Warranties of Lessee. Lessee hereby represents and
     warrants to Lessor as follows:

     a.   Lessee is a limited liability company duly organized and validly
          existing under the laws of the State of Mississippi;

     b.   Lessee has full and complete authority from its Manager and Members to
          enter into this Lease and to execute all instruments incident hereto,
          and to carry out the provisions of such documents;

     c.   The signatures appearing for Lessee on this Lease have been affixed
          pursuant to such specific authority as, under applicable law, is
          required to bind Lessee; and

     d.   This Lease constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
          Lessee, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

11.  Representations and Warranties of Guarantor and Parent. Guarantor and
     Parent hereby represent and warrant to Lessor as follows:


                                       11



<PAGE>

     a.   Guarantor is a limited liability company duly organized and validly
          existing under the laws of the State of Louisiana, and Parent is a
          limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under
          the laws of the state of Mississippi;

     b.   Guarantor and Parent each have full and complete authority from their
          respective Managers and Members to enter into this Lease and to
          execute all instruments incident hereto, and to carry out the
          provisions of such documents;

     c.   The signatures appearing for Guarantor and Parent on this Lease have
          been affixed pursuant to such specific authority as, under applicable
          law, is required to bind Lessee; and

     d.   This Lease constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
          Guarantor and of Parent, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

12.  Covenants of Lessor. During the Term of this Lease, Lessor covenants that
     it shall take all actions reasonably necessary to assist Lessee in
     maintaining the Home Health License in good standing.

13.  Covenants of Lessee. Lessee covenants that during the Term of this Lease,
     it shall:

     a.   Maintain the insurance coverages provided for in Section Fifteen (15)
          below at its sole cost and expense;

     b.   Only operate a home health care agency and, at Lessee's sole cost,
          maintain all authorizations, licenses and permits necessary for the
          operation of the home health care agency and utilize the Home Health
          License and all other authorizations, licenses or permits necessary
          for operation in substantial compliance with all Federal, state and
          local laws and regulations;

     c.   Make the payments provided for in Section Two (2) above as and when
          such payments become due and owing and pay as and when due the Assumed
          Liabilities and perform all obligations under the Assumed Contracts
          and this Lease Agreement;

     d.   Take all actions necessary to obtain and maintain in full force and
          effect the Home Health License and Medicaid and Medicare provider
          agreements and to obtain and maintain all permits necessary for the
          operation of the home health care agency;

     e.   Not encumber in any way or place a lien upon or permit a lien to
          attach to the Home Health License or any of its property without the
          prior written consent of Lessor;


                                       12

<PAGE>

     f.   Obtain such financing and all governmental approvals necessary for the
          Agency operations and to effect capital improvements and expenditures
          as are consistent with prudent management and fiscally responsible
          home health care operations.

     g.   At Lessee's sole cost and expense, keep and maintain its property in
          good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. In
          this regard, Lessee shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair
          and replacement, if necessary, of all its trade fixtures, equipment,
          machinery, and other property including the Assets leased hereunder.
          Routine maintenance, repair and replacement operations undertaken by
          Lessee with respect to the Assets and Leased Premises pursuant to
          Lessee's obligations hereunder shall not require Lessor's consent.
          Lessee acknowledges that Lessor shall have no obligations concerning
          repairs to or maintenance of the Assets or the Leased Premises leased
          hereunder or for any other property of the Lessee.

     h.   Lessee shall be responsible for and shall pay prior to delinquency any
          and all federal, state or local taxes incurred or assessed in
          connection with Lessee's operation of its business, including all
          taxes with respect to the Assets and the Leased Premises, including,
          without limitation, federal and state income taxes, franchise taxes,
          FICA, FUTA, unemployment taxes and other applicable taxes.

14.  Medicare Provisions. Lessor shall cause to be properly prepared, signed and
     timely filed all claims, cost reports or other documentation required by
     the Medicare, Medicaid and any other third-party payor programs for the
     Agency Operations prior to the Commencement Date; provided that the Lessor
     and Lessee agree to share equally the costs to file the Lessor's final cost
     reports. Copies of such claims and reports shall be supplied to Lessee upon
     written request. To the extent any such programs determine, on the basis of
     such closing cost reports or otherwise, that amounts are due to Lessor in
     respect of periods prior to the Commencement Date, Lessee shall be entitled
     to such amounts and shall increase dollar for dollar the next installment
     payment of Rent by such amount. To the extent that any such closing cost
     reports indicate that amounts are due to the Medicare, Medicaid or other
     third party payor programs, such amounts shall constitute a current
     liability of Lessor as of the Commencement Date and Lessee shall assume
     liability for the same, shall timely pay such amounts and shall decrease
     dollar for dollar the next installment payment of Rent by such amount.

15.  Insurance. Lessee agrees that from and after the Commencement Date until
     termination of this Lease, it shall obtain and maintain at Lessee's sole
     cost (i) comprehensive general and professional liability insurance of not
     less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per claim and Three Million
     Dollars ($3,000,000.00) in the aggregate; and (ii) property and casualty
     insurance in the amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000)
     per claim and (iii) worker's compensation insurance as required by law in
     the State of Mississippi. Such insurance policies shall be issued by a
     company licensed to do business in Mississippi, which company shall have
     and maintain an A. M. Best rating of at least an "A" during the


                                       13

<PAGE>


     Term of the Lease, and which policy shall name Lessor and Lessee as
     insureds. Lessee shall provide documentary evidence of such coverage to
     Lessor, and Lessee shall notify Lessor immediately of any change in
     coverage. The parties shall notify each other of any claims initiated
     against them in connection with the Home Health License within five (5)
     business days of receipt of notice of said claim.

16.  Disposition of Obsolete Equipment. Lessor and Lessee recognize that
     portions of Lessor's Assets may become inadequate, obsolete, worn out,
     unsuitable, undesirable or unnecessary in the Agency Operations. In any
     instance in which Lessee in its sound discretion determines that any items
     of Lessor's Assets have become inadequate, obsolete, worn out, unsuitable,
     undesirable or unnecessary in the Agency Operations, Lessee may remove such
     items of Lessor's Assets from the Leased Premises and (on behalf of Lessor)
     sell, trade-in, exchange or otherwise dispose of the same without any
     responsibility or accountability to Lessor therefor; provided, however,
     that Lessee shall substitute other equipment having equal or greater
     utility (but not necessarily the same function) in the Agency Operations,
     and provided further that such removal and substitution shall not impair
     the Agency Operations. All such substitute equipment or assets and all
     additions to the Agency Records by the Lessee (the "Substitute Assets")
     shall constitute equipment or assets of Lessee and shall be held by Lessee
     on the same terms and conditions as items originally comprising the
     equipment and Assets of Lessor, provided, however, that Lessee grants to
     Lessor, with respect to the Substitute Assets, the right to purchase the
     Substitute Assets at the termination of this Lease for the purchase price
     equal to the book value of said Substitute Assets, which value shall be
     fixed and determined as of the date of termination of this Lease. Lessee
     will not remove or permit the removal of any of Lessor's Assets from the
     Leased Premises except in accordance with the provisions of this Section
     Sixteen (16).

17.  Conditions Precedent to this Lessee's Obligation to Lease. All obligations
     of Lessee pursuant to this Lease are subject to the fulfillment of each of
     the following conditions at or prior to the Commencement Date:

     a.   The representations and warranties of Lessor contained herein above
          shall have been true and correct as of the date hereof and shall be
          true and correct on and as of the Commencement Date with the same
          force and effect as though made on and as of the Commencement Date;

     b.   Lessor shall have performed all of its obligations to be performed or
          complied with on or before the Commencement Date;

     c.   On the Commencement Date, no suit, action or other proceeding of any
          kind or nature shall be pending before any court of competent
          jurisdiction against Lessee in which damages may be awarded against it
          in connection with this Lease or the consummation of the transactions
          contemplated hereby, and no injunction or decree


                                       14


<PAGE>

          or order shall have been entered and outstanding by any court of
          competent jurisdiction which prohibits the Lease pursuant to the terms
          hereof;

     d.   Lessee shall have obtained the consent of the Division of Health
          Planning and Resource Development of the Mississippi State Department
          of Health and the consent of the Division of Licensure and
          Certification of the Mississippi State Department of Health to the
          lease of the Home Health License in accordance with the terms hereof;
          and

     e.   Lessee shall have notified the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
          Services and the Mississippi Division of Medicaid of the lease of the
          Medicare and Medicaid Provider Numbers to Lessee; and

     f.   Lessor shall deliver or cause to be delivered the following documents
          to the Lessee on or before the Commencement Date in a form reasonably
          acceptable to the parties and their respective counsel:

          i.   Any and all documents required by the Mississippi State
               Department of Health in connection with its review and approval
               of the lease of the Home Health License in accordance with the
               terms hereof, provided, however, that Lessee shall have notified
               Lessor to provide such documents;

               ii.  Any and all documents required by the Centers for Medicare
                    and Medicaid Services and from the Mississippi Division of
                    Medicaid in connection with its review and approval of the
                    Lease and change of ownership of the Home Health License in
                    accordance with the terms hereof, provided, however, that
                    Lessee, in a timely manner, shall have notified Lessor to
                    provide such documents;

               iii. A closing certificate confirming that the Lessor's
                    representations and warranties are true and correct on the
                    Commencement Date; and

               iv.  Such other documents and things as reasonably may be
                    requested by Lessee.

     Lessor and Lessee agree to cooperate with one another and use its best
     efforts to cause all of the conditions precedent to be satisfied on or
     before the Effective Date.

18.  Conditions Precedent to Lessor's Obligations to Lease. All obligations of
     Lessor pursuant to this Lease are subject to the fulfillment of each of the
     following conditions on or prior to the Effective Date:

     a.   The representations and warranties of Lessee contained herein shall
          have been true and correct as of the date hereof, and shall be true
          and correct as of the


                                       15
<PAGE>





          Commencement Date with the same force and effect as though made on and
          as of the Commencement Date;

     b.   Lessee shall have performed all of its obligations and agreements, and
          complied with all of their conditions contained herein to be performed
          or complied with on or before the Commencement Date;

     c.   On the Commencement Date, no suit, action or other proceeding of any
          kind or nature shall be pending before any court of competent
          jurisdiction against Lessor in which damages may be awarded against it
          in connection with this Lease or the consummation of the transactions
          contemplated hereby, and no injunction or decree or order shall have
          been entered and outstanding by any court of competent jurisdiction
          which prohibits the Lease pursuant to the terms hereof;

     d.   Lessee shall have obtained the consent of the Division of Health
          Planning and Resource Development of the Mississippi State Department
          of Health and the consent of the Division of Licensure and
          Certification of the Mississippi State Department of Health to the
          lease of the Home Health License in accordance with the terms hereof;
          and

     e.   Lessee shall have obtained the consent of the Centers for Medicare and
          Medicaid Services and from the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to the
          Lease; and

     f.   Lessee shall have notified the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
          Services and from the Mississippi Division of Medicaid of the lease of
          the Medicaid and Medicare Provider Numbers to Lessee; and

     g.   Lessee shall deliver the following documents to Lessor on or before
          the Effective Date in a form reasonably acceptable to the parties and
          their respective counsel:

          i.   A closing certificate confirming that the Lessee's
               representations and warranties contained herein are true and
               correct as of the Commencement Date.

          ii.  Such other documents and things as reasonably may be requested by
               Lessor.

     Lessee and Lessor agree to cooperate with one another and use their best
     efforts to cause all of the conditions precedent to be satisfied on or
     before the Effective Date.

19.  Indemnification by Lessor. Lessor agrees that it shall indemnify and hold
     harmless Lessee and Guarantor against and in respect of:


                                       16

<PAGE>


     a.   Any and all damage or deficiency resulting from any
          misrepresentations, breach of warranty or non-fulfillment of any
          agreement on the part of Lessor under this Lease or from any
          misrepresentations in or omission from any certificate or other
          instrument furnished to Lessor hereunder;

     b.   Any claim for finder's fees or brokerage or other commissions by any
          person, firm or entity, arising by reason of any services alleged to
          have been rendered to or at the instance of Lessor with respect to
          this Lease or any of the transactions contemplated hereby;

     c.   Any and all claims that may be made against Lessee and/or Guarantor
          arising out of or relating to the operation of the home health care
          agency pursuant to the use of the Home Health License (including the
          Medicare and Medicaid provider agreements and any overpayment
          liabilities) arising prior to the Commencement Date; and

     d.   Any and all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments,
          judgments, costs and legal or other expenses reasonably incident to
          any of the foregoing.

20.  Indemnification by Lessee and Guarantor. Lessee and Guarantor agree that
     they shall indemnify and hold Lessor harmless, against and in respect to:

     a.   Any and all damage or deficiency resulting from any misrepresentation,
          breach of warranty or non-fulfillment of any agreement on the part of
          Lessee under this Lease or from any misrepresentation and omission
          from any certificate or instrument furnished to Lessee hereunder;

     b.   Any claim for finder's fees or brokerage or other commissions by any
          person, firm or entity arising by reason of any services alleged to
          have been rendered to or at the instance of Lessee with respect to
          this Lease or any of the transactions contemplated hereby;

     c.   Any and all claims that may be made against Lessor arising out of or
          relating to the use of the Assets or operation of the home health care
          agency (including the Medicare and Medicaid provider agreements and
          any overpayment liabilities) arising on or after the Commencement
          Date; and

     d.   Any and all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments,
          judgments, costs, legal and other expenses incident to any of the
          foregoing.

21.  Notice. Any notice or request to be given or furnished under this Lease by
     the parties shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent
     via facsimile transmission or registered or certified mail, postage prepaid
     or by prepaid overnight delivery service, at the addresses or facsimile
     numbers listed below. A notice or request shall be deemed to be given (i)
     when

                                       17


<PAGE>


     delivered personally, (ii) when sent by facsimile transmission, or if sent
     by certified mail or overnight delivery service, at the time of delivery as
     indicated on the duly completed U.S. Postal Service return receipt or at
     the time of package pickup as indicated on the records of or certificates
     provided by the overnight delivery service.

     a.   LESSEE:

                    Mississippi HomeCare of Jackson, LLC
                    Attn: Keith G. Myers
                    1340 Surrey Street
                    Lafayette, LA 70501
                    Telephone: (337) 233-1307
                    Fax:       (337) 235-8037

          with a copy to:

                    Richard A. MacMillan, Esq.
                    Gachassin Law Firm
                    1026 St. John Street
                    Lafayette, LA 70502
                    Telephone:  (337) 235-4576
                    Fax:        (337) 235-5003

          LESSOR:

                    William B. Grete, Esq.
                    Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, Inc.
                    Administration
                    1225 N. State Street
                    Jackson, MS 39202
                    Telephone:  (601) 968-6139
                    Fax:        (601) 968-1383

                    and

                    Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, Inc.
                    Attn: Steve Jackson
                    1225 N. State Street
                    Jackson, MS 39202
                    Telephone:  (601) 968-1247
                    Fax:        (601) 968-1383


                                       18



<PAGE>


          with a copy to:

                    William B. Grete, Esq.
                    Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, Inc.
                    Administration
                    1225 N. State Street
                    Jackson, MS 39202
                    Telephone:  (601) 968-6139
                    Fax:        (601) 968-1383

                    and

                    Gina M. Jacobs, Esq.
                    Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A.
                    633 N. State Street
                    Jackson, MS 39202
                    Telephone:  (601) 949-4705
                    Fax:        (601) 949-4804

22.  Survival. Each of the parties' respective representations, warranties and
     covenants as contained in this Lease or in any document given or famished
     under or in connection with this Lease or the transactions contemplated
     hereby shall survive the Effective Date to the full extent necessary for
     the protection of the parties. The parties specifically acknowledge that
     the provisions of this Lease must survive in order to allow them the
     benefit of their respective bargains.

23.  Expenses of the Transaction. The parties agree that each of them shall be
     responsible for the payment from their separate funds of their respective
     expenses, including without limitation, their respective legal and
     accounting fees, incurred in connection with this Lease and the
     transactions contemplated hereby.

24.  Further Assurances. The parties shall, without further consideration,
     execute and deliver any and all such further instruments, documents and
     agreements as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to carry out the
     terms and provisions of this Lease and the transactions contemplated
     hereby.

25.  Assignment. Lessee may not assign any rights or obligations under this
     Lease, except with Lessor's prior written consent.

26.  Amendments. This Lease may be amended only by a written agreement executed
     by the parties; however, the parties hereto agree to modify the lists of
     Inventory and Assets purchased or leased hereunder as may be necessary on
     or after the Commencement Date in order to accurately reflect the Assets
     and Inventory purchased or leased hereunder.


                                       19


<PAGE>




27   Waiver. No modification, waiver or discharge of any provision or breach of
     this Lease shall be effective unless it is so done in writing and signed by
     the party affected thereby.

28.  Entire Agreement. This Lease, together with the exhibits and schedules
     attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference, including the leases
     and assignments of leases of the facilities as listed on Schedule 4 to
     Exhibit "A" and attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and
     the documents to be delivered in accordance with the terms hereof,
     constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the
     transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes all other oral and/or
     written agreements or understanding among the parties with respect thereto.

29.  Governing Law. The parties agree that this Lease shall be governed by and
     construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi. No
     presumption shall be deemed to exist in favor of or against any party as a
     result of the negotiation and/or preparation of this Lease.

30.  Counterparts. This Lease may be executed in one or more counterparts, each
     of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute but
     one and the same instrument.

31.  Binding Effect. This Lease shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of,
     and be enforceable by the parties hereto, their respective successors,
     permitted assigns, and their legal and/or personal representatives.

32.  Guaranty. Parent and Guarantor are made a party to this Lease and are bound
     with Lessee, jointly and severally, for the faithful execution of all of
     the obligations to be performed on the Lessee's part, including but not
     limited to the rental payments under Section Two (2) hereof, and Parent and
     Guarantor furthermore waive all rights to a release from this obligation
     due to the Lessor's failure to protest for non-payment of rent or due to
     granting of any extensions or indulgences to Lessee or any modification of
     this Lease, or due to the filing of a bankruptcy petition by or against
     Lessee or discharge in bankruptcy, or upon Lessee's insolvency or
     appointment of a receiver. Parent, Guarantor and Lessee agree that in event
     of a default hereunder, Lessor may proceed against Lessee, Guarantor or
     Parent in any order for fulfillment of the obligations pursuant to this
     Lease.



                  [remainder of this page intentionally blank]


                                       20

<PAGE>


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lease to be
executed as of this the 3Oth day of September 2003 and effective for all
purposes as of the Effective Date.


MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST                        MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST HEALTH
MEDICAL CENTER, INC., LESSOR                    SYSTEMS, INC., LESSOR



By:  /s/ Russell York                      By:  /s/ Russell York
   -------------------------------            -------------------------
Title:    CFO                              Title:       CFO
      ----------------------------               ----------------------


LHC GROUP, LLC                             MISSISSIPPI HOMECARE OF JACKSON, LLC
GUARANTOR                                  LESSEE

                                           By: LHC GROUP, LLC, Manager


By:  /s/ Keith G. Myers                    By:  /s/ Keith G. Myers
   -------------------------------             --------------------------------
   Keith G. Myers, Manager                         Keith G. Myers, Manager


MISSISSIPPI HEALTH CARE GROUP, LLC
PARENT


By:  /s/ Keith G. Myers
   -------------------------------
   Keith G. Myers, Manager