Patients with community-acquired pneumonia can be divided into four groups, each with a list of likely pathogens and suggested empiric therapy accordingly. Patient classification is based on the assessment of place of therapy, the presence of cardiopulmonary disease, and the presence of modifying factors. The admission decision remains to be difficult and follows the prognostic scoring rules (the Pneumonia Patients Outcome Research Team, PORT) are widely using as admission criteria. Still clinicians use inconsistent admission criteria and often overestimate patients risk. In general, hospitalization is needed if patients have multiple risk factors for a complicated course. Admission to the intensive care unit is needed for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia.