Staggering medical costs are enough to prevent many from seeking medical care when they are injured or ill. A study from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions found this to be the case with 20 percent of Americans.

Retail clinics are serving as a health care alternative for some people. The study found that 15 percent of consumers have received medical attention at a retail clinic and 34 percent said that they would if it proved to cost less than going to their doctor.

Deloitte Center for Health Solutions executive director Paul Keckley says that cost is a major factor for many consumers when determining when and where they seek care.

"As consumers increasingly begin to 'shop' for their care, they are seeking new options - price and convenience are key drivers," Keckley said. "Some consumers are heading to retail clinics for their flu shot instead of the doctor's office."

The high unemployment rate may be contributing to people not getting care when they need it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the unemployment rate currently sits at 9.5 percent. Many people rely on their employer for assistance with health insurance coverage.