New Hampshire
Massachusetts doctors opt for New Hampshire imaging centers – Valley News
This past summer, one of Dr. Amy Boutwell’s patients needed an imaging test done, but Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, which is down the road from her practice in the Boston suburb of Lexington, Mass., told her it would be a five-month wait.
“And I said, ‘Gosh, there’s got to be a better way,’” Boutwell said. “The question that came to my mind was, ‘Isn’t there some sort of independent imaging center where I don’t have to send her through the big, expensive, and busy health care system?’”
Her search turned up nothing nearby in Massachusetts. But located 30 miles north, just over the state line in Nashua, she found Tellica Imaging. She learned the newly opened independent imaging center could take her patient the next day and at a much lower cost. It worked out so well, she began sending more patients there. Boutwell’s status as an independent doctor made it possible. Doctors working in big health systems, she said, typically send patients to the imaging facilities within their own system.
“We live in Metro Boston. We’re used to using large health care systems,” Boutwell said. “This patient might have said, ‘I know and trust the health care infrastructure of Massachusetts,’ but instead, I think it’s really telling in this day and age, patients want access. They want transparency around pricing. They want easy and convenient. Of course, we need to know that the quality is going to be high and trustworthy. But for me as a doctor, and for my patient, in this case, we both were really compelled by, ‘It’s quick and it’s easy and it’s inexpensive,’ so let’s go to New Hampshire.”
For the longest time, Boutwell was perplexed as to why she couldn’t find centers like Tellica closer to her.
“I just thought, how’s it possible here in the medical mecca of the world, I don’t have an independent imaging center?” Boutwell said. “And I didn’t really know why.”
Many point to a primary culprit: “certificate of need” laws, which require health care providers to seek permission from state regulators for any new services they’d like to provide.
Under the laws, providers must prove to regulators that any new proposed services are necessary. Certificate of need laws also allow would-be competitors to weigh in and contest applications by arguing they already offer the service and, as such, a new provider is unnecessary.
The laws have been in place in some states since the 1960s, but the 1974 National Health Planning and Resources Development Act mandated every state institute them. Proponents believed the laws would restrain health care costs, increase quality, and provide better access to care for traditionally underserved communities. However, many experts in the field argue they’ve done the opposite. Congress repealed its federal certificate of need mandate in 1986, but 35 states, including Massachusetts, still have the laws on the books, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. The laws vary based on what types of care are subject to the laws and how the process works.
New Hampshire is the only New England state without certificate of need laws.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, a direct primary care physician in Salem, Mass., is another Bay State doctor who sends patients to independent New Hampshire imaging centers. He said Derry Imaging, which is roughly 45 miles away from his practice, might charge around $700 for an MRI. However, Gold said that at one of the large health systems in Massachusetts, such as Mass General Brigham, “you’re shooting a dart in the wind.” He said a patient won’t know exactly what they’re being charged until after the MRI is complete. In some cases, Gold said, once insurance and the health system finish negotiating the patient could be asked to pay roughly $1,500 (while insurance pays another $1,500).
Gold provides a unique type of care called direct primary care, where patients pay a monthly fee out-of-pocket for unlimited access to his services. He said this allows him more time with patients and to consider patients’ costs, among other things. He often advises patients to go to independent imaging centers in New Hampshire, even if their insurance won’t cover it, because paying Derry Imaging out-of-pocket is often cheaper for patients with high-deductible insurance policies. Though he notes he can sometimes get good prices at private orthopedic centers for some services, those facilities are increasingly being purchased by larger health systems.
In Massachusetts, Gold argues certificate of need laws have constrained the free market because when big health systems like Lahey and Mass General already offer imaging, it makes it harder for smaller providers to prove their services are needed. However, New Hampshire repealed its certificate of need laws in 2016 and so this phenomena hasn’t occurred here.
Indeed, analysis from the Mercatus Center, a think tank based at George Mason University, estimated in 2020 that Massachusetts nonhospital providers would’ve likely performed 80,388 MRIs annually if the state had no certificate of need laws as opposed to the 58,960 it did perform. The organization also estimated that without certificate of need laws, nonhospital providers would’ve performed 758 PET scans as opposed to 420. The researchers found no statistically significant change for hospital providers, suggesting the laws could be protecting hospitals from competition. The analysis estimated that, across all services subject to certificate of need laws, annual health care spending would’ve fallen $320 per capita without the laws.
“Neither theory nor evidence suggest that CON (certificate of need) laws work as advertised,” researcher Matthew Mitchell wrote in a 2024 report in the academic journal Inquiry. “While advocates for the regulation have offered several rationales for its continuance, the balance of evidence suggests that the rules protect incumbent providers from competition at the expense of patients, payors, and would-be competitors.”
In New England, this has created an interesting dynamic. Patients in southern New Hampshire often travel to the Boston area for treatment at larger hospitals. However, as costs and wait times rise in Massachusetts, doctors say it makes sense to go the opposite direction for certain services. Boutwell said the “cost of care in Massachusetts and access to care in Massachusetts is at an all time high and an all time low.”
“This is not a story of people who can’t afford care going to New Hampshire,” she said. “With the classic cycle of people from the north coming into Boston, you might think, ‘Well, maybe people who are price sensitive will be people who don’t have access, you know, people who don’t have the money.’ But in this case, we’ve got all the benefits of who we are, and we’re making an educated choice to say, ‘You know what? Let’s go to New Hampshire.’”
Mass General and Lahey declined to comment.
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New Hampshire
Women’s Hockey Set For Home-And-Home Series With University Of New Hampshire – Providence College Athletics
NOVEMBER 7 | SCHNEIDER ARENA | DURHAM, N.H. | 6:00 PM
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NOVEMBER 8 | SCHNEIDER ARENA | PROVIDENCE, R.I. | 2:00 PM
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Providence College women’s hockey team returns to action this weekend against the University of New Hampshire. The Friars will travel to Durham, N.H., on Friday, Nov. 7 for a 6 p.m. puck drop at the Whittemore Center before returning home on Saturday, Nov. 8 for a 2 p.m. game at Schneider Arena.
Scouting the Friars
Providence enters the weekend after earning four points against the University of Maine last weekend and securing its first Hockey East victory of the season. The Friars took the first game, 3-2, in overtime behind senior Sarah Davies’ (Mississauga, Ontario) game-winning goal. In the rematch on Saturday, the teams skated to a 1-1 tie. Providence claimed the second point in the shootout with goals from junior Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) and sophomore Jessie Pellerin (Bowmanville, Ontario). Graduate goaltender Hope Walinski (Lincoln, R.I.) made two saves in the shootout.
Ranked Start
Following the matchup against No. 13/13 St. Thomas, the Friars played seven of their first eight games against ranked opponents. Providence is 2-5-0 this season against ranked foes. Last year, the Friars went 7-5-0— their most ranked wins in a season under Head Coach Matt Kelly and the most since 2009-10. Including the 2025-26 season, Kelly holds a 23-45-6 record against ranked opponents at Providence. Based on opponents’ winning percentage, the Friars have faced the fourth-toughest schedule in the country (.719).
Overtimes
Three of the Friars’ last four games have gone to overtime. Providence is 2-0-1 in overtime this season. Last year, the Friars were 4-1-3 in extra time and are 16-10-21 all-time under Head Coach Matt Kelly. Their three overtime games are tied for the most in Hockey East this season alongside Vermont and Maine.
Kirchmair’s Fast Start
Senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) has produced 10 points in 10 games this season on eight goals and two assists. The reigning Hockey East Player of the Year ranks eighth nationally in game-winning goals (2), 13th in goals per game (0.75) and 10th in power-play goals (2). She leads all Hockey East skaters in goals per game. Kirchmair is also one of four players in the NCAA to score four goals in a game this season.
Reichen Kirchmair Named Hockey East Player Of The Week
Senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) was named Hockey East Player of the Week on Monday, Oct. 27, marking her first weekly honor of the season. Kirchmair led the Friars with four goals in Friday’s 7-6 overtime victory over No. 13/13 St. Thomas. She recorded a second-period hat trick in just 4:41 before netting the game-winner in overtime. The four-goal outing marked Kirchmair’s second career hat trick, seventh three-point game, and second four-point game. It was also her 22nd career multi-point effort and 12th game-winning goal. Kirchmair is the first Friar to score four goals in a game since Sara Hjalmarsson did so against Maine on Nov. 19, 2022, and the first to record multiple hat tricks since Hjalmarsson, who tallied three in her career.
Returning for the Friars
Providence returns senior forward Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario), the 2024-25 Cammi Granato Award winner as Hockey East Player of the Year and the league’s scoring champion. She became the first Friar to earn Player of the Year honors since 2004-05 and the first to claim the scoring title since 2002-03. Kirchmair was the only unanimous selection to the Hockey East First Team after leading the league with 15 goals and 15 assists in conference play. The senior paced all league players with 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points in 34 games.
Junior forward Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) also returns for the Friars after being named a Hockey East First Team All-Star last season. Knapp tied for the conference lead in goals with 15, alongside Kirchmair, making them the only Friars to achieve the feat in the Hockey East era with Sara Hjalmarsson in 2022-23. The junior finished the season with 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points.
In net, graduate student Hope Walinski (Lincoln, R.I.) returns for Providence. Walinski started 33 games for the Friars, posting a 1.87 goals against average, a .922 save percentage, four shutouts and a 19-11-3 record. Walinski was awarded as a Hockey East Third Team All-Star and named to the “Watch List” for the National Goalie of the Year Award last season.
Audrey Knapp Invited to USA Hockey Women’s National Festival
Junior Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) was invited to the 2025 USA Hockey Women’s National Festival on Aug. 3-9 at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, N.Y. The group is made up of 76 college and professional players, along with 46 players under the age of 18. The Festival assisted in the evaluation process for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team.
Climbing Up The Second Half
The Friars opened the second half of the 2024-25 season with an 8-1-0 record in January, their most wins in the month since 1998-99. From January through the end of the regular season, Providence earned points in 17 of its final 20 conference games, posting a 13-3-0 record in the second half, the best mark in Hockey East after the new year.
Hats Flying
Providence recorded four hat tricks in 2024-25, its most in a single season since 2004-05. Three of those came from current returners: Reichen Kirchmair, Audrey Knapp and Kiara Kraft.
Hockey East Preseason Poll
The Friars were picked to finish fifth in the Hockey East Preseason Poll, which was released on Monday, Sept. 16. Providence received 61 points and were picked to finish behind UConn (86), Boston University (82), Northeastern University (76) and Boston College (64). The Huskies and Terriers each received five first place votes.
Fresh Friar Faces
Providence welcomes 10 new players (one transfer and nine freshmen) to the roster for the 2025-26 season. Taylor Porthan (Edina, Minn.) is a sophomore from UConn. The nine freshmen are Molly Farace (Otonabee, Ontario), Sophie Harold (Cobourg, Ontario), Mallory Hartl (Askov, Minn.), Izzy King (Bedford, Mass.), Taylor Leemrijse (Toronto, Ontario), Lauren Mack (Excelsior, Minn.), Brenna O’Reilly (Burlington, Mass.), Bella Paolucci (Groose Pointe Woods, Mich.) and Sami Snyder (Waterloo, Ontario).
Friars Under Head Coach Matt Kelly
Including the 2025-26 campaign, Matt Kelly has posted an overall record of 128-93-26 (.571) and 97-66-20 (.585) in Hockey East play. Last season’s 20 wins marked the third time during Kelly’s tenure the Friars have reached the 20-win mark. In his inaugural season, the 2018-19 Friars tied the school-record with 24 wins.
In 2020-21, Kelly led the Friars to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005, marking the program’s second appearance in school history. The Friars have reached the Hockey East Championship twice under Kelly, in 2020-21 and 2022-23.
Closing In On 100 Hockey East Wins
Providence Head Coach Matt Kelly enters the weekend with 97 Hockey East victories, three shy of 100. Kelly would become the second coach in program history to reach 100 Hockey East wins since the league’s inception in 2002-03, joining Bob Deraney. He currently ranks third all-time in program history with 128 overall wins, trailing Deraney (319) and John Marchetti (264).
Through 40
In the Kelly era, the Friars are 87-8-5 when taking the lead into the third period. They are 27-20-14 when tied after two periods and 14-65-7 when trailing.
Three is the Number
Under Kelly, Providence is 96-7-3 all-time when scoring three or more goals. The Friars were 18-1-0 last season when scoring three or more goals. Providence was a perfect 10-0-0 when scoring four or more goals and 5-0-0 when netting five.
Scouting the Wildcats
The University of New Hampshire enters the weekend 5-4-1 overall and 2-1-0 in Hockey East play. The Wildcats are 1-3-0 at home and 4-1-1 on the road to start the season. In their last series, New Hampshire played a home-and-home set with Merrimack College and swept the weekend with an 8-2 win at Lawler Rink and a 5-2 victory at the Whittemore Center.
Who to Watch for New Hampshire
Senior forward Alyson Hush leads the Wildcats with 10 points on three goals and seven assists through 10 games. Behind Hush, freshman forward Nina Rossi and junior forward Danika Botterill each have eight points. Rossi has four goals and four assists while Botterill has two goals and six assists. Sophomore forward Addison Spitz was named Hockey East Player of the Week after recording five points against Merrimack and freshman Josie Linn earned Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Week honors with four points against the Warriors.
In goal, juniors Noemi Martinez Sedona Blair have split time for the Wildcats. Blair has started six games, posting a 2.01 goals-against average, a .934 save percentage and a 2-3-1 record. Martinez has started four games with a 1.75 goals-against average, a .930 save percentage and a 3-1-0 record.
All-Time Series with the Wildcats
New Hampshire leads the all-time series 69-89-15. Last season, the Wildcats won the opening game in Durham, 7-3, before the Friars took the final two meetings at Schneider Arena, 6-3 and 4-3 in overtime. Providence’s last win at the Whittemore Center came on Dec. 8, 2023, in a 6-0 victory.
-GO FRIARS!-
The New Hampshire Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from Nov. 4 drawing
11-14-17-50-57, Mega Ball: 06
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 4 drawing
03-13-17-27-44, Lucky Ball: 12
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Nov. 4 drawing
Day: 8-8-1
Evening: 4-6-6
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Nov. 4 drawing
Day: 2-6-5-3
Evening: 6-9-9-0
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Gimme 5 numbers from Nov. 4 drawing
15-17-28-29-38
Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the New Hampshire Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Megabucks Plus: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Hampshire managing editor. You can send feedback using this form.
New Hampshire
N.H. municipalities required to provide accessible voting systems for people with disabilities – The Boston Globe
“Hopefully the tide is turning a little bit, and people with disabilities, especially the blind and and vision-impaired folks, are going to be able to vote privately and independently, just like everybody else,” said James Ziegra, senior staff attorney at Disability Rights Center New Hampshire.
The Secretary of State’s office sent these machines to cities holding elections this fall. The machine itself consists of a tablet, an accessible, high-visibility keyboard, headphones, and a printer. The headphones can be used by blind voters, to hear the ballot read aloud. Once the voter makes their selection, the ballot is printed out, and ready to be cast.
Ziegra said the rollout is going smoothly so far. He said the system was used in Manchester’s September primary, and he hasn’t heard complaints from voters about any issues.
The new technology could pose a challenge to clerks as they learn how to program and test the system ahead of election day, according to Ziegra.
“We’re not expecting it to be smooth 100 percent the first time around, but it’s a great step in the right direction,” he said.
Daniel Healey, the city clerk of Nashua, said this year is the first time local officials have been involved in programming the devices, which cost the city about $800, he said.
“If someone’s using an accessible voting system and they’re voting in every election, they need it for the local election. They don’t just need it for the state primary or the general election,” he said. “It’s never really made sense to me as a clerk why we didn’t have it locally.”
He said he’s already tested the system in all nine of Nashua’s wards, and it’s working smoothly and ready for election day.
“I’m really happy with it,” he said.
This story appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, a free newsletter focused on New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles elsewhere. To receive it via email Monday through Friday, sign up here.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
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