Fairly Complex Indexing Question

I'm using InDesign CS3 to make corrections to an existing jewelry catalog. The catalog was developed by a company and has an existing index. Here's our problem...



We need to reference an item name and an item number. Currently the item name and item number are in seperate text frames and indexed as follows...



Topic Level

1. Item Number

2. Item Name



I believe that the item name was entered manually as topic level 2(as opposed to being highlighted and added.)



Is there a way to highlight the text and add it to an existing reference as a topic level 2 item?



For example...



Item # 1 is called Bob. The number ''1'' is in a text frame underneath a picture of the item. To the right of the picture is the item name ''Bob'' in a seperate text frame with a description.



The owner wants the index to reference the item number, item name and page but doesn't believe that each item name should have to be entered manually. So I guess my question is whether there is a way to select multiple text frames(2) to create one index with two topic levels?



This has been a recurring problem with the company he's been working with...he asks for additions/corrections to be made to the catalog and the company takes a month to get it back to him because of the indexing. They bill by the hour and the owner believes there should be a way to do this that doesn't cost him a fortune.



I hope that this clearly explains the issue that I'm having.



Please feel free to write back if you might be able to help but need clarification.



Thanks

Shane Powers
Fairly Complex Indexing Question
This might be a good candidate for a scripted index instead of ID's own regular index.



Take a look at http://marcautret.free.fr/geek/indd/indexbrut/en.php