in the doctor's office?

The ConsumerWorld blog posted a link to this March New York Times story about bargaining your medical bills. CBS News confirms that yes, you can negotiate bills with your doctor.

And remember, doctors and hospitals are already negotiating with insurance companies all the time. The fee schedules for procedures can vary widely depending on what health insurer is footing the bill. So, why should uninsured patients not negotiate their bills as well?

And, frankly, it can take months for doctors to get reimbursed. If you're uninsured but can offer even a partial payment up front, in cash ... well, that is valuable to them --- or ask about payment plans. But this is not the place to try to get a price match.

Where else can you negotiate? Jim Wang over at Bargaineering.com recently discovered via Bankrate.com that you can negotiate with banks for a better CD rate. True, not every bank will play, according to Bankrate's survey, but it's worth a try --- especially if you've spotted better rates elsewhere. Ask your bank if they will beat or match the competition's rate. 

And the final place you could negotiate? Anywhere else: with anyone who provides a service or to whom you pay a bill, according to Lifehacker. If you've lost a job or work in an industry badly affected by the economy (*cough*), call up and tell them you can' t afford what you're paying.

Cell phone and cable and internet companies may have unadvertised rates or promotions they can offer you. Home contractors and wedding vendors and travel companies (hotels, cruises, etc.) may be able to extend some savings to you, because business is slow.