CAP diagnosis is built on integrating clinical assessment with imaging. Clinicians evaluate history (fever, cough, sputum, shortness of breath), physical exam findings (crackles, altered breath sounds), and vital signs. The key confirmatory step is typically a chest X-ray, with CT used when greater detail is needed. Blood tests (CBC, inflammatory markers such as CRP) can support assessment of inflammatory burden. In severe cases or higher-risk patients, sputum culture, blood cultures, and viral PCR testing may help tailor therapy. The objective is not only to confirm pneumonia but to determine severity, likely etiology, and the safest treatment setting (outpatient vs inpatient) with an appropriate follow-up plan.