Skagit Valley Medical Center has announced the expansion of dermatologic services to Arlington in an effort to better serve the needs of patients in north Snohomish County. Tom Langei, M.D., began caring for patients at Cascade Family Medical Group, an affiliate of Skagit Valley Medical Center, on Fridays earlier this month.

Dr. Langei grew up in Bellingham, attending Western Washington University for his undergraduate degree and medical school at the University of Washington. He completed his dermatology residency training and Mohs fellowship at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, making him the only fellowship trained Mohs surgeon between Everett and Bellingham. Dr. Langei is board certified in dermatology and is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery. He has a special interest in treating all types of skin cancers, particularly those located in high-risk areas such as the head and neck.

Until now, Arlington-area patients in need of dermatologic services have been referred elsewhere as the specialty was not available locally.

Dr. Mark Spencer, a family practice physician at Cascade Family Medical Group, welcomed the addition of Dr. Langei. "I am very happy to have Dr. Langei available in Arlington for people in our community who need dermatology care," he said. "We have been sending patients to him in Mount Vernon since he arrived there and have been very pleased, both with his expertise and the reports from our patients about how he treats them. He is highly recommended to my colleagues and their patients in the greater Arlington area."

Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions of the hair, skin and nails. This includes providing acne therapy, treatment of fungal infections, rashes and psoriasis, skin cancer evaluation and treatment, mole evaluation, biopsy and removal in addition to cosmetic services.

Cascade Family Medical Group, located at 326 S. Stillaguamish Avenue, adjacent to Cascade Valley Hospital, has served the health care needs of Arlington and surrounding communities since 1990.

For more information about the Skagit Valley Medical Center, visit www.svmc.net. For more information about Dr. Langei or to schedule an appointment in Arlington or Mount Vernon, phone (360) 814-6200.