Consumers more interested in health care decisions

The survey also finds that most consumers face financial pressures and may be cutting back on care as a result.

The report adds that most consumers would be comfortable approaching their doctor about the cost of health care services. Four out of five are either somewhat or very comfortable asking about price. Despite this, fewer than half of consumers have actually asked about the price of care.

"It's a positive sign that people are open to asking their doctors about costs and involving themselves in their health care decisions," said Wendy Lynch, director of CCCHC and the study's author. "But overall, the study shows that people still have their head in the sand when it comes to what they think they can control. They have more power than they realize just by asking questions; now they just need to use it."