Direct evidence shows that patients have better outcomes when their doctors are more empathetic.  In two studies involving over 21000 diabetic patients and 271 doctors, the doctors were evaluated on a clinically developed scale of empathy.  The results were clear and statistically significant:  patients with highly empathetic doctors showed  better control of their blood sugar and LDL cholesterol, and experienced fewer acute complications, than did patients with low-empathy doctors.  …every effect of higher doctor empathy results in lower costs.  Doctors make more accurate diagnoses and prognoses, and commit fewer errors; patients are more likely to follow instructions, become healthier, and suffer fewer complications.