Negotiating for Rhinoplasty Price Possible?

Comparison shopping for surgery is an impossible feat. It is not as if you are purchasing identical products such as when buying a car from different dealers. The surgeon does make a difference. Generally speaking, reputable surgeons charge fees that they believe are reasonable knowing that patients can and do shop around. Therefore, they realize that they must be competitive and that patients can "walk" if their prices are too high. Therefore, it is unlikely there is a lot of wiggle room. Having said that, I would call the patient coordinator and state that you have another quote. You can ask if they are willing to match it. They will likely ask you for a copy. Several possiblilites do exist:

There is no negotiating
They will explain why their fees are higher or ask if comparable services are being offered (anesthesia, facilities, personnel, etc.)
They will negotiate.

Do not be offended if they are not willing to negotiate. However, you must understand that a surgeon must put a value on the service and the experience.

Rhinoplasty costs can differ by thousands of dollars even in the same city depending on the surgeon's credentials, experience, and judgement of what needs to be done.  Probably not a good idea to negotiate with the surgeon who will work on your face. 

While there is no harm in asking, it's generally unlikely that a surgeon will negotiate on the price. To some extent, you might be wary of the surgeon who is willing to negotiate a lower fee: it could be a sign of a desperate surgeon!
Speaking for myself--although my colleagues probably agree--I don't like to discuss the fees with my patients but instead leave that to my financial coordinator. I like to keep my focus on the medical issues at the time. Fee negotiations would only be a distraction.
Besides, I don't really set my fees. The market does. If I charge more than people think I'm worth, then I'll quickly be out of business (unless I've got a heck of a PR campaign). Plus, there are some fixed costs that can't be changed: the OR fees, the anesthesia fees, etc.
Anyway, good luck, but be careful about a practice that's willing to negotiate with you. Focus on finding a quality surgeon whose fees are commensurate with his/her abilities.
All the best,
--DCP

Most surgeons set their fee based on their experience and history of patient satisfaction. My prices have gone up significantly since I started practice 5 years ago. I agree with the other physicians that it can't hurt to ask, just don't be pushy about it. If you are a student or have special circumstances, then you have a possibility of getting a price reduction. You should ask the office manager and not the doctor directly, as this can be an uncomfortable topic for both doctor and patient during an aesthetic consultation.
Chose the surgeon that you believe is best for you, not necessarily based on price. If you have to wait a little longer to afford it, chances are you won't be unhappy that you went with your gut.
As a final caution, some patients feel anxiety after they get a discount, thinking that less work will be done to compensate for the price reduction. If you are fortunate to get a discount, realize that it will be given without strings attached.
Best of luck!

Hi Michael,
If you have narrowed your decision down between two rhinoplasty surgeons, all other things being equal (which they never are with rhinoplasty), it wouldn't hurt to ask for the lowest price. As you can tell by the majority of answers here, the worst thing is that they will most likely say no. The absolute worst thing that you can ultimately do is base your rhinoplasty surgeon choice on cost, as too often patients find that they "got what they paid for", and the cost of revision surgery is much more.
Choose your rhinoplasty surgeon most carefully. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

If you advise the surgeon of your circumstances during your consultation, you may receive a professional courtesy.  School teachers, soldiers, policemen, nurses give greatly to their communities yet may not have high incomes, and the surgeon may unprompted adjust his fee schedule accordingly.
In this day of recessionary pricing, it is not wise to negotiate too much.  Most surgeons have already adjusted their fees to the recession. 
While inexperienced surgeons may give large discounts, they have not yet calculated the actual costs of staying in business and having enough in reserve to handle the expenses of running a high end business.  We all know such surgeons in our community who seem to work long hours but never get ahead.  Usually their work is not known for excellence.
Poor surgeon-businessmen tend to cut corners just to survive, undercutting fees, etc.  If I were a patient seeking plastic surgery, this is a practice I wouldn't want to find myself in.