Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI)

The Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) is a tool doctors use to assess how sick a person with pneumonia is and determine the best treatment setting. It considers factors like age, vital signs, existing health conditions, and lab results to estimate the risk of serious complications or death. Based on this score, decisions are made about whether a patient can be treated at home or needs hospitalization. PSI helps ensure patients receive appropriate care, avoiding unnecessary hospitalization or ensuring timely hospital treatment for those at higher risk.