When Americans need health care services, they’ll ask about the nature of the service and the recovery from it. But about the only time most ask about the cost is after the bill comes, and it seems like a whopper.

That’s what a survey by Benz Communications and Quantum Workplace found. The survey queried 2,000 employees about health care services and cost information. Not surprisingly, they learned that, the more someone makes, the less likely they are to ask about the cost of care. But even among those in lower pay categories, a general reluctance to discuss cost of care emerged.

The average response to questions about health services and cost went something like this: 69 percent of those surveyed said they had the information they needed to get proper health services, but only 48 percent said they ever asked a doctor or other medical professional what the services cost ahead of receiving them.