Recent literature provides an evidence-based approach to he patient with community-acquired pneumonia. Using the PORT scoring system combined with an assessment of the patient’s social situation allows the emergency physician to make rational decisions regarding disposition. Diagnostic testing may be limited to pulse oximetry and chest radiography in many patients.

The ATS guidelines regarding minimal microbiologic testing are better suited to emergency medicine practice and are based upon stronger literature than the IDSA guidelines. However, the IDSA antibiotic guidelines are simpler to use than the ATS suggestions.

Using the PORT recommendations, perhaps pneumonia can be demoted to the “ensign of the men of death.”