When is bigger better? If you are San Ramon-based Hill Physicians, which is already the largest independent physicians association in Northern California, bigger is better when it means a merger with Brisbane-based Physicians Integrated Medical Group (PIMG).

The San Francisco Business Times first reported yesterday that the merger received “a unanimous recommendation” by PIMG’s board of directors last week.

The merger agreement calls for PIMG to “suspend independent operations” by mid-year.

In a statement, James Rodriguez, PIMG’s chief executive, said an orderly transition would best serve patients and physicians.

“This transition will enable each of our patients the opportunity to remain with their primary care physician and positions our physicians to realize the benefits that come with being part of a nationally recognized, geographically broad medical group,” Rodriguez said. “I believe it is likely that most of PIMG’s primary care and specialty physicians will make the move to Hill Physicians Medical Group.”

This follows the affiliation of the UCSF Medical Group with Hill that took effect in January. PIMG’s 500 physicians practice in San Francisco and San Mateo County.