Multi Function Switch?

Need some help guys,
My dads 97 Park Avenue developed a problem with the right turn signal. When engaged, it does nothing. No clicking sound, no lights flashing and even the dash turn signal indicator is inop. The left works fine.
Took it to the dealer yesterday and they diagnosed it to be the multi-function switch. The total bill came out to a whopping 750 dollars!! Unfortunately for my pops he will not be able to make the repair at this time.
I found the part here:
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/
part number is 88964587
This thing must really be a piece of hardware as GMpartsdirect wants over 200 dollars for it. So my questions to you all are:
Does this whole thing need to be replaced?
Is there a way to find one cheaper? (found one at a local Auto Zone but still @200+)
Where inside the car is it located?
Is it possible to fix this without a trip to a dealer?

Thank you in advance for any help.

im fairly certain this is located inside the middle of the steering collum directly behind the steering wheel.... when they stole my park ave they busted the whole collum all to blazes. and you could see the entire inner workings of the turning singnal... its location alone means its gonna be a pricey item to have replaced by a shop or dealership.