Final answer:
To confirm pneumonia, a chest x-ray is used to look for fluid-filled alveoli, showing as 'shadows' on the radiograph. The encounter is classified as an outpatient encounter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The encounter of a patient being sent from a physician's office to a local hospital with an order for a chest x-ray to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia is classified as an outpatient encounter. An outpatient encounter refers to medical services provided to patients who are not admitted to a hospital or healthcare facility for an overnight stay. In this case, the patient visits the hospital for a specific diagnostic test and then returns to their home or regular healthcare provider for further treatment.